IT was first time lucky for paramedic Tom Irvine, who gave a premiere pregnancy performance.

Despite being a member of the ambulance service for 13 years Tom, who is based at Ramsbottom Ambulance Station, made his first delivery.

And it was a dramatic debut for 40-year-old Tom because mum Adele Winnard was taken by surprise.

Adele, 24, of Haslam Street, Bury said: "I was at home when my contractions started just after 10pm, so I telephoned the ambulance. They arrived within minutes but didn't even have time to get a stretcher from the ambulance."

Thanks to the unflappable Tom and his colleagues, Adele gave birth to Connor, who weighed in at a healthy 6lb 7oz.

Adele, who also has a six-year-old daughter, said: "I'd like to thank Tom. I think he was as made-up as me. It was a very emotional occasion for both of us."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.