AN ambulance service call handler enjoyed double delight after talking two panicking mums-to-be through their births in the same night shift.

Lisa McGee, who works in the Chelmsford control centre, helped bring two new baby boys into the world in 24 hours after their mums suddenly realised they were in the late stages of labour and didn’t have time to get to hospital.

A couple of hours into the shift, the mum-of-two was talking to panicky Frank Holbrook, whose fiancee, Jayne Wright, was at home in Heybridge, getting ready to push.

She had been to St Peter’s Hospital, in Maldon, during the day, but was told she was not in labour.

Full-time carer Ms Wright, 41, of Hadrians Way, said: “I got a couple of hours sleep at home, then I got up and said we have to go back to the hospital.

“I walked upstairs and when I got to the top of the stairs, I felt the baby coming right there and then."

Sidney, weighing 6lb 9oz, was born at 9.15pm on February 25, delivered by his own father.

Ms Wright, who now has three children, added: “The call handler was absolutely brilliant –areal star.

“The way she calmed us down and talked us through it was amazing.

“She was cool as a cucumber, even though my fiance Frank was screaming and shouting.”

Mrs McGee, 48, who worked at Howbridge Infants School before joining the NHS, said: “It’s a really good feeling to know you have helped bring a baby into the world and it’s such a relief when you hear the baby crying.

“It is the little things that make you remember why you do the job and helping two couples become parents is definitely top of my list.”

It was Mrs McGee’s last call of her shift – at about 6.15am the following morning – when she helped Hannah Farrell, 18, of Stanway, near Colchester, give birth to 7lb 12.5oz Jayden.

Miss Farrell said: “Mum was on the phone and was told to support the baby’s head as it came out.

"I was just concentrating on pushing.

“I can’t believe how fast it happened. I’m really grateful that all turned out OK.”