A FAMILY who lost their young son to meningitis are celebrating a new arrival this week.

Janet Haworth, whose son Timmy died 15 months ago, gave birth to 6lb 2oz Millicent Grace at Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn, two weeks early after a difficult planned delivery.

Dad David, a paramedic with Blackburn ambulance service, said his new daughter spent her first night in the special care baby unit where staff could keep an eye on her but she was now back with her mum and both were doing well.

Millie has already met her seven-year-old brother Oliver and other members of the family.

David, of Margaret Street, Blackburn, said: "Oliver wanted a boy at first but now he's seen her he's over the moon.

"She looks so much like Oliver and Timmy did at that age -- just like me! She's a pink and white baby with fair skin and very fair hair.

"I'm relieved it's a girl because it's a new start with something we've never had before. It makes the pressure of having a new baby a little bit easier."

David said Millie was not a replacement for Timmy, who was three years old when he died at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, four days after contracting the disease. He explained: "Millie is an addition to the family, not a replacement. We must never forget Timmy. I still tell people that I have three children because I feel Timmy will always be a part of our family."

No date has been set for Janet and Millie to return home.