Christmas will be extra special for the Harrison family this year as the latest addition to the family joins them for her first yuletide celebration.

Nine-months-old Gabrielle Louise stunned her parents Julie and Mick by being born alive and well 48-hours after doctors told them to expect a still birth.

But now the family from Tythebarn Street, Darwen, have reason to celebrate after a series of medical tests have revealed she is a normal healthy child.

The first Julie knew of the impending happy birth was during the final push after 16 hours of labour at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester.

Doctors at the hospital had been unable to trace the baby's heartbeat during a routine scan and told the couple to expect the worst.

Julie had to go through with the birth in a dimly lit delivery room thinking the child was dead.

Now their family is complete and Gabby will join her parents, sister Libby Jo, three, and mum and dad for the festive celebrations at their home.

Mum Julie said: "It is amazing to think we will be spending Christmas with Gabby after everything that happened.

"She had to go through a lot of tests after her birth and had a minor operation but she has been given the all clear.

"She's turning into a chubby healthy baby now."

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