Graham Sykes, of High Bank Close, Elland, had to be talked through the birth by a midwife on speaker phone when wife Kate said she could not wait to get to Calderdale Royal Hospital.

He said: "It was pretty harrowing when she suddenly shouted the baby was coming out. We just did what we had to do."

The couple, who own a marketing business in Huddersfield, began preparing to go to hospital at about 2.30am on Wednesday after Kate, 33, was woken by her contractions.

Mr Sykes, 38, said: "We didn't rush because when she gave birth before she was in labour for 10 hours. The hospital said we would have plenty of time so we were just getting everything ready. But then, at about 4am, she suddenly felt it coming.

"I was just trying to stay calm. We got her on the floor and I could see the head but there were no problems. It all happened so quickly and naturally and actually really easy. There was no time to panic."

A midwife gave him guidance over the phone and by the time an ambulance arrived at 4.15am Verity, weighing 9lb 4oz, had made her appearance.

Mr Sykes said: "The paramedic helped cut the cord but Kate and Verity were fine so they didn't even go to hospital." Kate, 33, said: "She was nine days late but when she came there was no holding her back. Graham was fantastic. He got down the business end and came up trumps – although he's not stopped talking about it since."

Verity joins the couple's only other child, three year old Scarlett.

Midwife Sharon Nettleton said: "He was fabulous, he did everything right. We've told him if he wants job as a midwife we'd welcome him with open arms."