IT ALL started as a family day out to the beach for mother Hayley Sheen and her two young sons.

They set off from their home in Chatham to have a fun day out but it was not sticks of rock they brought back...it was a new-born baby.

While travelling home from Hastings by train, Hayley who was seven months pregnant, unexpectedly went into labour.

Just minutes later little Chelsea was born on the Hastings line between Appledore and Ashford. She was two months premature and weighed just 3lbs 5oz.

Hayley, 21, who lives in Chatham's Maidstone Road, said: "We had all had a good time at Hastings and everything was fine. I never even had any twinges or pain until on the way back home.

"Then all of a sudden I doubled up in pain and Chelsea's head was popping out."

Fortunately another passenger, who was sitting in the compartment with her, and the train's conductor, came to her aid.

Lesley Taylor, from Rye, helped with Chelsea's quick delivery and wrapped the baby in her skirt.

By this time conductor Andy Gouldthorpe, from Eastbourne, had alerted the emergency services on his mobile phone. He received instructions from ambulance control.

He said: "I wrapped the baby in my body warmer to try and keep her warm and laid her on her mother's chest as I was told to do."

An ambulance met the train at the next stop, Ashford International.

The crew boarded the train with a stretcher and took over. All four were initially taken to hospital in Ashford.

Hayley and Chelsea were later transferred to Medway Maritime Hospital's special care baby unit. Chelsea will remain there until she has gained enough weight to be allowed home.

Hayley said: "It all happened so quickly, Chelsea just flew out. I am just glad someone was there to help. I would like to thank Lesley I have promised to keep in touch."