LITTLE Joban Singh is the picture of happiness nestled into his loving parents.

But little does he know that his rather fast arrival in the world caused such a stir that it’s made him famous in the community where he lives.

The tiny tot was the first baby to be born in a Southampton children’s centre after deciding he wanted to be here in time for Christmas.

He was welcomed into the world by a team of midwives and staff at the Sure Start centre in the St Mary’s area of the city after his mum had unknowingly found herself in the final stages of labour.

Now his proud parents Gurpreet Kaur and Gurpreet Singh have issued a heartfelt thanks to those at the centre who helped deliver Joban without any problems.

Miss Kaur, of Brintons Road, had phoned the centre for advice after suffering days of contractions and was advised to visit the centre in Clovelly Road where midwives soon realised she was about to give birth.

The mother-to-be was rushed into the centre’s medical room where four midwives, members of staff, family and Mr Singh helped the smooth delivery of Joban.

Miss Kaur said: “I was getting contractions in the couple of days before he was born but they were getting stronger so I called the midwife and made an appointment to see them at Sure Start.

“When I got there they discovered I was ten centimetres dilated!”

She added: “I don’t like hospitals so for me it was really nice to be comfortable in my own surroundings. Everyone was so nice and helpful, it was very homely.

Mr Singh added: “We didn’t expect this to happen and will thank the staff here for our whole lives – they did a really good job. It’s great being parents. Joban is famous now!

“We will be using the service all the time and telling people that if they want to they can have a baby here too!”

Lead midwife Sonja Kimber said: “We were having a very busy day. We would usually do a home assessment but we asked Miss Kaur to come to the centre.

“When I saw her she was ready to push her baby out.

“It was a real family event. The hospital has reduced visiting at the moment so for her this couldn’t have been better as she wanted people around her.

“I have been here ten years and have been waiting for this to happen!”

Jin Chaha, centre manager, said: “This is the beauty of multi-agencies at work. We have the support here for the child from now right up until he is five years old. It’s a real honour for us.”