A PRESTON dad had plenty of reasons to celebrate Father's Day at the weekend after having 19 children during 35 years' wedded bliss!

Yusuf Ismail Batan and wife Maram, both 52, of Deepdale Road, Preston, never quite fit the typical family mould with such a large family.

With just over a quarter of a century between their eldest child and their youngest daughter -- not to mention the 16 grandchildren -- there is never a dull moment in the Batan household.

While government statistics show a decline in birthrates, with around 1.64 children being born in England and Wales last year, compared to 2.37 births in 1971, this couple have bucked the trend with their brood!

The extended family of parents, siblings, cousins and in-laws share eight houses along Deepdale Road, some of which Yusuf's late father bought before his death some time ago.

Originally from India, Yusuf and Maram -- who are cousins -- knew their destiny from an early age. They came to England as teenagers with their families and their marriage was arranged.

In September 1967 they tied the knot and made plans for a large family, part of their Muslim faith.

When Maram became pregnant they were over-the-moon, but sadly her first pregnancy was not to be. Maram said: "I miscarried -- I felt terrible, it was very sad."

Soon after however, things turned around and their first daughter Shalma arrived in 1969, weighing in at little more than four pounds, an ideal delivery as Maram is barely five feet tall.

Baby girl Hara followed in 1970, then sisters Rabiya in 1972 and Amina the year after.

Yusuf said: "I have five brothers and really wanted a daughter, but when we had had four I was hoping for a son and then Ismail arrived in 1975. Our first 14 babies were born in the infirmary and the hospital staff knew us very well.

"We did have some arguments with the nurses who didn't like the fact we were having such a large family," said Yusuf who worked at Courtaulds for nearly ten years.

Maram, was advised by some doctors to have a break in between births, but she said she was always healthy and never had stitches as all the children were very small.

Between 1977 and 1985 Maram was pregnant almost every year, giving birth to a staggering eight children. She said: "It is time-consuming, you have to wake up early every day whether you like it or not and meals need to be planned or you'll spend your life in the kitchen, but all the children play together, which is great."

But the couple's family have been their life, having just enjoyed a three-day celebration for second eldest son, Ilyas's wedding, they are now hoping the pitter patter of tiny feet will not be far away.

The couple have nine grandsons and seven granddaughters and only seven of their children have tied the knot.

Their youngest child Kulthoom is eight and attends Deepdale Junior School with her brother. Her father Yusuf and uncle Dawood Batan were the first Asian pupils at the school almost 30 years ago and have sat on the board of governors.

Yusuf said: "We don't have a mortgage to pay and my daughters don't work or claim any benefits. That is against our religion, we have always managed financially and now receive family credit for the younger children."

He added: "I am quite happy for them to fly the nest. You have to move with the times and they are all of a different generation."