Dad David Driver leapt into action when his wife started to give birth at home.

He helped deliver the baby in the bedroom as an ambulance controller gave instructions over the phone.

“It all happened very quickly,” said assistant Explorer Scout leader David, 29, a resource engineer with Yorkshire Water. “I got some towels and the baby’s head just started appearing. The next minute she was out and I was catching her! It was quite an experience.”

When wife, Heather, started having contractions, she phoned Airedale Hospital and was told to call back when the they became more frequent.

“Soon afterwards it started getting painful, so David rang the hospital to say we were coming in and we began getting ready,” said Heather, also 29.

“But I was in a lot of pain by now and David phoned 999 for an ambulance.” Little Olivia Elizabeth was born at 7.12pm, weighing in at 7lb 3oz.

An ambulance crew and midwife arrived at the house in Dale View, Silsden, about 20 minutes later.

Both mum and baby were taken to hospital for a check-up, but were discharged the following day.

“I am really proud of Dave,” said Heather.

The couple – who also have an 18-month-old daughter, Harriet – paid tribute to the midwife, ambulance crew, Airedale’s staff and the 999 operator. “Everyone was fantastic,” added Heather. “I am very grateful.”