Dylan arrives on the A64 (From Gazette & Herald)

Dylan arrives on the A64

A BABY was born beside the A64 in Ryedale during a snow shower as his two young sisters looked on dumbfounded from the back of the family Ford Fiesta.

The tiny tot couldn't wait for his expectant mum Hayley Ensbury to get to hospital. Instead, Dylan made his grand entrance into the world as his father Wayne Fawcett battled along the dual carriageway through the 5am flurries while his mother was bent double in the passenger seat.

The surprise birth yesterday came just one-and-a-half hours after Hayley woke her partner Wayne at their home in Foxholes complaining of pains.

Concerned about the snow, the couple decided to brave the elements to ensure Hayley was in hospital in time for labour.

Originally from York, the couple, who moved to Foxholes about six months ago, set off for Malton Hospital with their two daughters, Isobelle, four, and Bryony, two-and-a-half, in tow.

"We were worried about the weather," said 26-year-old Hayley. "I said we would make our way to hospital just in case. Then suddenly the contractions were coming every five minutes. I had my other two children in three hours but I expected it to be a bit longer this time.

"I had to bend over because I was in that much pain. My girls were in the back of the car. They probably didn't know what was going on. They didn't say anything."

She added: "The baby was coming out on the dual carriageway. We just got into Old Malton when I delivered.

''Wayne just pulled over and jumped out to get something out of the back to wrap him up. I took my cardigan off because I thought it would be warm. Then Wayne jumped back in the car and drove to hospital. He was shocked and I couldn't take it all in. It all happened so fast."

Wayne, a plasterer with Sanderdale Builders of York, said: "I didn't realise it was going to happen so quickly. Her waters hadn't even broken at home.

''Hayley had put the passenger seat down and was bent over that. We were just coming off the A64 and could tell it was near. I just saw the head come out and that was it.

''I pulled over and she gave birth there and then. I didn't really panic. I was more worried about how cold it was."

The 41-year-old admitted feeling "proud" at delivering his first son.

Wrapped in a cardigan and still attached by his umbilical cord, newborn Dylan - weighing 7Ib 13oz - was greeted by a team of midwives at Malton Hospital who supplied blankets and a wheelchair when the family arrived.

Before setting off on their unforgettable journey, the couple had arranged for Hayley's mum, Tina Wallis, of York, to meet them at the hospital to look after the girls.

"My mum was already sat in the car park when we arrived," said Hayley, who was discharged from hospital yesterday afternoon. "She was really excited when she realised what had happened."

She added: "I didn't have much time to think about anything. I was in too much pain, I couldn't wait to go to hospital. Afterwards you just forget the pain of giving birth. It's worth it."

Updated: 10:43 Wednesday, February 23, 2005