A BUSINESSMAN delivered his wife's baby on the floor of their living room as an emergency operator gave instructions by phone.

Mark Bryce, 33, had the telephone cradled between his shoulder and chin as he delivered his 61b daughter, Devon.

On the other end was Jacqui Knox, an operator with Northumbria Ambulance Service.

She guided Mr Bryce through the final stages of the birth after his wife Julie, 30, went into labour early.

Mr Bryce, of Ashington, Northumberland, said: "Nothing can beat actually delivering your own child, it was an amazing experience. It came so unexpectedly.

"It was 4am, and I went outside to warm up the car and then I heard this almighty wail from inside the house. I went in to find Julie's waters had broken.

"I dialled 999 and found myself speaking to Jacqui - she was a lifesaver.

"I was really starting to panic but she told me the ambulance would arrive soon - but I knew that even 15 minutes would be too long."

Jacqui, who has two children of her own, told him to lay Julie down, get some towels and keep calm.

Mr Bryce, who has two other children, Jake and Abbey, said: "She was fantastic.

"When Jake was born he wasn't breathing, and I was terrified there might be complications. But Jacqui kept reassuring me, telling me exactly what to do."

Jacqui said: "I'm glad I was able to help him and that the family are doing well."