A NEWBORN baby girl born into the world of football made her first kick in Preston - even though her mum is Blackpool FC's Managing Director!

Little Georgia May, whose delighted mum is no other than tangerines boss Gill Bridge, bounced in at Sharoe Green Hospital on Sunday (Sept 6) weighing a healthy 8lb 2ozs.

Georgia was helped into the world by nurse Diane Phillipson whose husband is a staunch Preston North End fan and her arrival immediately started a loyalty debate.

Should Georgia grow up as a Blackpool fan, or follow heated rivals Preston?

Mum Gill is in no doubt. She said: "Diane looked after me when I first went into the hospital and again at night. We had a joke when I discovered her husband was a Preston fan.

"It all went really well. I was in labour for 12 hours and it was a lovely feeling to hold Georgia in my arms at the end of it. The labour was like the Man City match, painful at the time but well worth the end result.

"There's no doubt in my mind that my little girl will grow up following the tangerines."

But Preston's Chief Executive Peter Church had other ideas. He said: "I would like to pass on my best wishes and congratulations to Gill and her husband Gary. But there's no doubt in my mind the baby should be a lilywhite.

"North End runs in most Prestonian's blood so I'm sure Georgia will grow up with a soft spot for Deepdale and the club. She would be made very welcome."

Mother and baby returned home on Tuesday with a message of thanks. Gill said: "We've had so many lovely cards and flowers. I want to say thank-you to everyone especially Diane, the midwife Angela Crozier and staff on ward M3. They really looked after me."

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