A MOTHER who lost three of her children in a house fire has given birth to a son.

Two years ago, Judith Braine, 32, and her husband, Darren, 33, thought their world had ended when a fire swept through their home and killed all but one of their family.

Although their youngest son, Lewis, now four, was rescued, the couple became desperate for another child.

However, Judith was sterilised after Lewis' birth and NHS chiefs refused to carry out a reversal - citing Lewis' survival as the reason.

Then BUPA surgeon Michael Burke heard of the couple's plight and stepped in, offering to carry out the procedure without charge.

Kobie was born on Thursday and weighed 6lb 14oz.

Yesterday, Mr and Mrs Braine, of Lynemouth, Northumberland, told how the birth of Kobie had brought the first joy to their lives since the deaths of Leah, six, Darren, five and Demi, three, in March 2001.

Mrs Braine said: "I just can't believe it has happened.

"We really did it for Lewis because he was left an only child."

Mr Braine said: "I am just trying to take it all in at the moment. I am over the moon."