TWO teams of paramedics had their hands full after delivering a couple of babies at home - within minutes of each other.

The medics delivered babies at different addresses within the space of 35 minutes - the first in Richmond Hill Street, Accrington, closely followed by a second in Little Harwood, Blackburn.

The babies who took their mums by surprise are both doing well thanks to the expertise of the experienced paramedics.

Eilean Schofield and Chris Rowan from Accrington Ambulance Station were on hand when baby Samander decided to put in a rapid appearance.

Mum Noreen Samander was caught unaware by her fourth baby, a boy who seemed in a hurry to come into the world.

Eilean said: "It was obvious as soon as we got to the house that Mrs Samander was too far along in labour to get her to the hospital.

"The baby was born within minutes of us getting there and, thankfully, everything went according to plan. "Chris and I have 25 years of ambulance experience between us - this wasn't the first baby we have brought into the world and I'm sure it won't be the last."

Mrs Samander and her husband Azar Khan are delighted with the new addition to their family.

Mrs Samander said: "It all happened so quickly

"The paramedics were great, they did a wonderful job and I can't thank them enough.

"I don't know what we would have done if they hadn't been there."

Andrew Hayes and Geoff Brogden were among the first on the scene at Little Harwood. They also delivered a boy but his parents didn't want any publicity.

Andrew said: "I was in a fast response vehicle and was at the house just five minutes after we received the call.

"We could see the baby was well on its way so we did our best to make mum comfortable and nature more or less did the rest.

"I was at the birth of all three of my own children and I have delivered another two so I am no newcomer!

"Fortunately there were no complications and mother and baby were fine.

"We see a lot of bad things in this job but delivering a baby is one of the highlights."

Picture: Mum Noreen Samander with paramedics Chris Rowan and Eilean Schofield and baby Toheed, who put in a rapid appearance and weighted in at 7lbs 12oz.