A woman gave birth in a hospital car park after she was unable to make it into the maternity unit in time.

Sian Austin delivered her first child – a girl who is yet to be named - outside Watford General Hospital yesterday morning with the help of members of the public and staff.

She described the unforgettable experience as “very sudden” and she even went home later that day.

Mrs Austin said: “My husband and I would like to thank the amazing staff at Watford General who were brilliant throughout my care.

“We would also like to thank the public who helped us.”

A spokesperson at West Herts Hospital Trust said: “We can confirm that a woman gave birth to her first child in our car park.

“When she called the hospital she was advised to come into the birth centre but when she arrived she was unable to make it there on time and gave birth in the car park.

"However, she did not give birth on her own as two of the trust’s phlebotomists were present at the birth.

“The birth centre midwives reached the car park a few minutes after the baby was born and attended to the mother.

"We are delighted to announce that both mother and baby are doing very well.”