Clifton Suspension Bridge baby born

Congratulations to Emily and Andrew Bessant (and big brother Oliver) from Portishead, Somerset, on the birth of their son Harry, born 1.50pm on Saturday 27 August and weighing 6lb 13oz.

Emily Bessant's waters broke as the couple were driving to Bristol Maternity Hospital on Saturday, and the couple were forced to pull over on the Clifton Suspension Bridge so she could give birth.

Thoughtful Andrew even waited until he was past the middle of the bridge to stop, as he was worried about holding up the traffic!

Andrew delivered the baby himself but, as luck would have it, a paediatrician from the local children's hospital was walking by. She was able to offer expert help with the delivery - even going so far as to hand over her own jumper to wrap newborn Harry in.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge (designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel) was opened in 1854 and has seen its fair share of drama. Up to 12,000 vehicles cross it every day, daredevil pilots have flown planes under it, numerous marriage proposals have taken place there thanks to the stunning views, and even Fathers 4 Justice staged a superhero stunt, closing the bridge as police tried to remove them.

However, this is the first time in its lifespan than the bridge has been the setting for a birth.

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*Source: Going to University from Care by Sonia Jackson, Sarah Ajayi and Margaret Quigley for the Frank Buttle Trust 2005

**Source: Social Exclusion Unit 2006