A Sageston couple enjoyed a New Year’s Day with a difference when Withybush hospital proved a bridge too far.

Chris Jones and Joanne Harvey, of Saunders Road, were expecting the birth of their second child on Christmas Day. However, after spending the festive period on ‘tenterhooks’, it was New Year’s morning before Joanne felt any twinges.

“We rang the ambulance and they were here within seven minutes,” said Chris.

“I tried to follow behind in my car but because of ice on the road I was soon left behind.”

The ambulance reached the Cleddau Bridge before having to pull over, and Joanne spent 45 minutes in labour before the baby was delivered on the bridge shortly after 9am.

“I knew exactly where I was because the driver had to open the back doors to come in,” she said.

“Luckily the toll gates were shut otherwise I would have ended up having him there.”

The couple were keen to praise the paramedics.

“We owe them a big thank you,” said Chris.

“We were told no-one in Withybush had ever heard of a baby being born on the bridge. I can see it from my office in work so there will be memories of what happened every time I look.”

The couple have called their baby Iwan.

“If it was a girl we’ve been told we would have had to have called her Bridget,” joked Chris.

“But I do think we should be entitled to free bridge tickets from now on.”