A proud father has welcomed home in style the baby he feared he would never see outside a hospital ward.

Alan Carrington, 34, arranged a stretched limousine to pick up his tiny tot who has been in Basildon Hospital for four months - two of those in intensive care.

Alan's daughter, Amy, was born three months premature and weighed just 1lb 3oz - her chances of survival were slim.

Against the odds, Amy battled through and joined her mother Joanne Burnett, 32, and Alan in the 30ft car.

Alan, of Falcon Avenue, Grays, said "The first two months were by far the worst - Jo and I had to take every minute as it came.

"Amy is one of life's real fighters, she has battled so hard over the last four months against numerous infections and setbacks."

Alan and Jo have been so impressed with the doctors at Basildon Hospital that they are organising a special fundraising function in the new year.

Alan added: "The doctors were excellent - they did all they could throughout and I am eternally grateful.

"Jo and I are now going to hold a disco after Christmas to raise money for the hospital. We hope to raise over £1,000 - they deserve every penny."

In for the long stretch - Alan Carrington picks up his daughter Amy and her mum Joanne Burnett in a 30ft stretched limousine

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

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