The first ever “South Western Railway baby” has been born, after a woman told the train guard she was going into labour while the train was near Surbiton.

Noemi Mercurelli was experiencing labour pains on a service from Farnham into London Waterloo at about 10am, and guard Martin Miller immediately informed the control centre and requested an ambulance meet Noemi at the station.

Mr Miller saw her to the ambulance and tweeted shortly afterwards: ““So very pleased to be able to assist a lady that had gone into labour on my train today between Waterloo and Farnham. Many congratulations on the impending birth of your daughter.”

Sophia was born safely shortly afterwards.

New mum Noemi said: "I was only going in to London to run some errands. I went in to labour at 10.40 and by 11.10 baby Sophia was born at the hospital. My friends and family were all very shocked when I told them the story."

South Western Railway staff subsequently met Noemi and Sophia at Farnham station to give them presents, including a baby-grow that reads “my journey started on South Western Railway”.

Alan Penlington, director of customer experience, said: “Everyone was delighted by the news and smitten when they saw the photo of baby Sophia. It’s not every day we hear about a ‘South Western Railway baby’ so we wanted to spoil Noemi and baby Sophia with some treats to celebrate her arrival.

“Well done to all of our colleagues who helped to make Noemi’s experience as comfortable as possible by reassuring her and acting speedily to get the ambulance there on time. We all wish baby Sophia the very best for the future and look forward to welcoming her on to one of our services very shortly.”