FAMILY fortunes took a turn for the better for Alan and Eileen Leech when their second daughter arrived four years ago on February 29.

Alan meant to attend auditions for the Family Fortunes quiz show with his brothers and sisters, but daughter Abby decided to make her entrance just as he set off.

Alan, of Leach Street, Blackburn, said: "We booked the auditions for two weeks after the time Eileen was due, but Abby was two weeks late then arrived on the day of the auditions.

"The others went to the auditions in Liverpool without me, but we never got called to take part."

Now four years old, the leap year tot is celebrating her first official birthday today with a party for 20 of her playmates from Longshaw nursery at Kid Street adventure playground, Bennington Street, Blackburn.

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