A passing mum delivered a baby after a woman went into labour in a shopping mall today.

Margaret Flood was picking up the last few bits for Christmas at the Chequers Centre in Maidstone with her family when she noticed a woman lying on the bench next to her.

The woman, who was out shopping with her mum and children, had unexpectedly gone into labour.

Margaret, a trained first aider, went to see if she needed any help, and quickly realised the woman was having her baby there and then.

"The baby was crowning and my mother's instincts just kicked in. I've never delivered a baby before, but I just reacted naturally.

"I've always wanted to deliver a baby but never thought it would be like that. I always been with my children when they've had their babies but to deliver one and hold it when it's first born is wonderful" - Margaret Flood

"I was trying to keep the mum calm because it happened so fast. I think she was in shock because everything was happening so quickly."

The woman's mum was on the phone to the paramedics who asked Margaret to check if the baby was ok.

She said: "I rubbed him to keep him warm, and tapped his feet so the paramedics could hear him cry.

"I've always wanted to deliver a baby but never thought it would be like that. I always been with my children when they've had their babies but to deliver one and hold it when it's first born is wonderful."

Margaret, who works at a school, wrapped the new born baby in a blanket and handed him to PCSO Caroline Wayland.

Security staff had put screens around the new mum, who was taken to Pembury Hospital by paramedics with her new son.

PCSO Wayland said: "It was a first for me in eight and a half years as a PCSO - you never know what new things you're going to get in this job.

"I just went into 'get the job done' mode. I've had children of my own, but I've never been on this side of things."

PCSO Wayland said the new mum was very shocked following the surprise birth, and an ambulance was called as a precaution."

West division commander Steve Corbishley tweeted: "Just been informed that one of our PCSOs has helped deliver a baby whilst on patrol in Maidstone. Mum well and big smile on PCSO."

A spokesman for the Mall said: "It is the first time a baby has been born in The Mall Maidstone and to celebrate the exciting arrival. he Mall has presented the mother with a package of baby products by way of congratulations."