A Swindon Advertiser journalist faced his most important challenge yet – when he acted as ‘midwife’ for the birth of his second child.

Deputy sports editor Owen Houlihan took on the unexpected role after his wife Heidi went into labour at home and new son Geordan arrived before the ambulance.

But despite the quick arrival Owen managed to stay calm as he delivered the baby in the family’s sitting room at their home in Bradford-on-Avon.

Owen, (33), said: “It was an incredible experience but not one I really want to repeat again.

“I had gone home early on the day because Heidi said she had some contractions.

“When I got home we timed the contractions and they were 10 or 12 minutes apart and we thought there was nothing to worry about. And the hospital said the same.

“Suddenly I heard Heidi. She was screaming that the baby was arriving and it all began happening in a rush.

“I sat Heidi down on the settee and called 999, and the people at the other end were superb and calm.

“They told me to get towels and water, and then asked me if I could see the head and I could.

“I think I was on autopilot and when he finally arrived I laid him on Heidi’s stomach for a few minutes until the ambulance turned up with a midwife and doctor so they could cut his umbilical cord.

“It was just amazing but I don’t think I’ll be changing careers!”

Owen and Heidi with baby Geordan and Ciaran

Geordan Patrick weighed seven-and-a-half pounds and was a week overdue.

He is the couple’s second son, although three-year-old Ciaran’s birth was not so sudden – he gave his parents enough time to get to hospital.

“I had been there for the birth of Ciaran, but this was a wow moment,” added Owen.

Mum Heidi, (36), said: “It was a big shock, there I was having contractions that were normal to suddenly five minutes later having the baby.

“But Owen was cool, calm and collected and very relaxed.

“Considering everything that was going on, he was wonderful.”

Mother and baby were taken to Trowbridge hospital afterwards and have now been able to return home.