A WOMAN whose two daughters were due to give birth on the same day now hopes to be at the birth of both of them.

Joan Sutherland, 57, was astounded to discover that her daughters, Gillian Cruse and Kirsty Bowden, were both expecting babies on January 17.

The news was especially welcome as Gillian, 32, who lives in the United States, miraculously survived the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in New York.

She was working at the One World Financial Centre, beside the World Trade Centre, at the time of the disaster, and only escaped being caught up in it by being late for work.

Although Kirsty, 29, lives in Chester-le-Street, the sisters are in touch by phone and e-mail.

Mrs Sutherland, who lives in Newton Hall, Durham, also uses e-mail to keep in regular contact with Gillian.

Now she believes Kirsty will give birth first, allowing her to be there for both her daughters' deliveries.

She said: "Kirsty's doctor now thinks her baby may arrive up to six days ahead of Gill's.

"I have been studying the form and because first babies, certainly in this family, are very often late, I have put my money on a ticket to New York on January 26.

"I reckon that Kirsty should have had her baby by then and Gill should be about ready to do so."

Mrs Sutherland said she was now preparing for the births by putting her computer skills to further use.

She said: "I have been finding out about products and prices and best buys on the Internet.

"I'm going to be a 21st Century grandma."