She may be just a few days old, but little Jessie May Smithers knows how to make an entrance.

The baby was due on April 22 but decided that was too early to make an appearance.

When she did decide it was time to meet the world, nine days later, she caught everyone by surprise with her super-quick arrival.

Mum Lucy Smithers, 34, called Darent Valley Hospital, but her contractions were still only 10 minutes apart and she was told it was too early to go in and was advised to monitor the situation.

"We went in and the midwife said Lucy was in labour and the baby was coming now. It was a bit of a shock" - dad Grahame

Husband Grahame said: “We had an appointment booked at the doctor’s surgery anyway and sat in the waiting room for about 15 minutes to see the midwife.”

As they were shown into a treatment room at Kent House Surgery in New Ash Green, Longfield, little did the couple know their daughter would be in their arms soon after.

Grahame, 33, added: “We went in and the midwife said Lucy was in labour and the baby was coming now. It was a bit of a shock.

“She called another midwife to come and help and Jessie was born an hour and 15 minutes later.”

The couple took Jessie, who weighed in at 6lb 13oz, home less than three hours after they had arrived at the surgery.

The family are now settling into a routine at their home in Coltstead, New Ash Green.