A baby was born in the back of an ambulance last week less than an hour after her mother went into labour.

Lana Raymond was born to Ragu Raymond, 39, and his wife Meera, 36, who live in Stoneleigh, at 4.20am on Wednesday, June 3.

Mrs Raymond, already mother to Riya, 2, had only gone into labour at 3.30am that morning - and her husband had just started driving her to Epsom Hospital when it became clear the baby was on its way.

The pair had to stop, still in Stoneleigh, and call for an ambulance.

Once the ambulance arrived to take his wife to Epsom Hospital, Mr Raymond drove there to meet them.

But the doting dad missed the birth of his daughter as she ended up being delivered in the back of the emergency services vehicle.

His wife was then taken to Epsom Hospital where the baby's umbilical cord was cut.

Your Local Guardian:

Ragu and Meera Raymond with new daughter Lana and Riya, 2

Mrs Raymond said: "It just happened very fast. It was all a bit of a shock, I’m still trying to get over it.

"My first baby came within three hours and everyone says the second baby comes quicker but I didn’t expect it that quickly.

"We want to thank the NHS and ambulance services, especially Epsom Hospital."

Mr Raymond said that, despite missing the birth, "we are just happy the baby is here and healthy and there was no other drama".