A couple whose baby boy tragically died after choking at nursery are celebrating the birth of their second child.

Oliver Steeper was just nine months old when he died after the incident at the former Jelly Beans Day Nursery in Kingsnorth, Ashford, in September 2021.

His mother Zoe and father Lewis, who are from Ashford, have become active campaigners for robust safety regulations in childcare settings following their son's death, with a petition against looser nursery rules being debated in Parliament.

Now the couple are celebrating the birth of Jake Oliver Steeper, who was born yesterday evening at a weight of 8lb 4oz.

Speaking to KentOnline from a maternity ward this lunchtime, Mr Steeper said: "Since the passing of Oliver, Zoe becoming pregnant with Jake and the whirlwind of a mentally-changing emotional rollercoaster, we are absolutely overjoyed at Jake's arrival last night at the William Harvey Hospital.

"Jake takes the middle name of Oliver, forming a bond only brothers can have, and allowing Oliver's special memory and legacy to live on within our little family.

"Mum and baby are doing exceptionally well this morning following a few hours sleep and a very silent Jake.

"We would like to thank all the staff, midwives and doctors at the William Harvey for their precious and understanding care through the whole process of Jake's arrival.

"We look forward to a few more days under the hospital's care before taking Jake home to embark on the next chapter of our journey."

An inquest into Oliver's death was opened in August, but it has been adjourned to allow an ongoing police investigation to be concluded.

The hearing at County Hall in Maidstone was told how the infant died of a brain injury and heart attack at Evelina London Children's Hospital six days after choking on food at his daycare.

Cause of death was given as a brain injury and cardio-respiratory arrest following "aspiration of foodstuffs during a choking episode".

Following the tragic incident, Ofsted closed the nursery in Field View on a temporary basis pending a full investigation into "serious safeguarding concerns" in the lead up to Oliver's death.

However, parents and carers were later informed that the owner of the nursery had voluntarily shut the facility down.