Angela Chapman of Haynes Road, Northfleet was today the first mum to use the brand new birthing pool at Darent Valley Hospital.

Located on the Aspen Ward, Angela spent just 40 minutes in the pool before Bethany Rose arrived weighing 7lb 6oz at 10.28am.

The 32-year-old, whose husband is Kris Chapman, said: “This is the third baby I've had at Darent Valley Hospital.

"I already have two boys aged three and two.

"This time I chose to have a water birth which was by far the best birth that I have experienced.

"It was soothing, supportive and took away much of the pressure.

"Natalie Barnes was my midwife and she was excellent. I could not fault the care that I have had at the hospital, they have always looked after us so well.”

The hospital was one of four in the county, and 100 in England, to share the £25m government handout at the start of the year - part of which paid for the pool.

Previously mothers were given the option of giving birth in inflatable pools.