Carpenter Scott Feander did his best DIY ever - when he delivered his baby daughter.

Special delivery - Jessica Jane seems unaware of the unusual nature of her arrival as she is cuddled by mum Debbie and Dad Scott.

Mum-to-be Debbie Carter's labour was going like clockwork when her waters broke on the evening of her due date.

Partner Scott nipped her down to St Peter's Hospital maternity unit in Maldon to be checked over, but as nothing was on the move they returned home to Broad Street Green Road, Great Totham.

The couple, who met at Colchester Zoo, where they both work, tried to get some rest.

But at 2am Debbie's contractions stepped up suddenly, and she knew there was nothing she could do to slow the baby's arrival.

"The contractions had started about 10.30pm but they weren't too bad. Then, about 2am, I just had to push," she said. "I woke Scott up and he tried to get me dressed and in the car, but I knew I wouldn't make it."

Scott, 25, called 999 and an operator stayed on the line as he delivered his 7lb 12oz daughter, Jessica Jane.

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Published Monday, November 15, 2004

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