MIRACLE baby Ruby Chew, born four months premature, is finally home from hospital.

The brave infant defied all medical expectations to survive when she was delivered weighing just 25 ounces.

Her overjoyed parents Bernie Chew (33) and Ian Jackson (38) described the homecoming of their happy and healthy Ruby this week as the icing on the cake.

Little Ruby was conceived only days before her mother was sterilised and she went on to amaze family and doctors by battling against the odds.

The tiny tot needed such intensive care that her parents, of Milton Road, Radcliffe, were not allowed to hold her for 11 days following her early birth.

Bernie explained: "We've already got four children and so I decided to be sterilised. I thought I had already done enough to help populate the world."

"What I didn't know was that I was just pregnant when I was sterilised so it was quite a big shock when I found out I was going to have another baby three weeks after the operation! My partner, Ian, was delighted because he had wanted more children anyway."

When she was 16 weeks pregnant, tests indicated that there was a one in 60 chance that the couple's child would be born with Downs Syndrome. The odds are usually 1,000 to 1.

"I cried for three weeks while I waited for the results."

The tests proved negative but Bernie's relief was only temporary because shortly afterwards she began to bleed badly and was admitted to Fairfield General Hospital.

She was later transferred to St Mary's Hospital in Manchester, a specialist maternity hospital. It was there on November 12 that Ruby made her premature entry into the world, taking everyone by surprise, especially Bernie who celebrates her own birthday on that date!

"I went to the toilet and her foot popped out," she recalled.

Twenty minutes later Ruby was born weighing only 1lb 9oz. She was rushed to intensive care where she was given blood transfusions and antibiotics.

Once again the outlook was bleak as doctors said Ruby only had a 30 per cent chance of survival and even if she did live, there was an 75 per cent risk that she would suffer brain damage.

"I just went on automatic pilot. Ruby had already been through so much I just knew she would be okay," said Bernie.

"When we were allowed to hold her for the first time 11 days later I just burst into tears with relief. She was obviously a miracle."

Bernie was allowed home, but little Ruby had to remain in hospital in order to build up her strength. The delighted parents thought nothing of journeying to the hospital every day even though they do not own a car. But it became easier when Ruby was transferred to Fairfield.

"When she was finally allowed home last Wednesday it was like I was having her for the first time. Up until then I hadn't bought any clothes for her or anything because I didn't want to tempt fate. I'd put everything on hold."

Although four months old, Ruby only weighs 7lb 1oz and is on oxygen around the clock. But doctors have said there is absolutely no reason why she shouldn't grow up to be a normal, healthy little girl.

"We're so proud of her. She's shown immense courage and she's a real cracker," said Bernie who is insistent that she really won't be having any more children!

"We can't thank enough family, friends and staff at both hospitals for all the help and support they gave us."