A FORMER Launceston lady gave birth to a healthy baby girl in the early morning on New Year's Day.

Katy Lacey (nee Quirk), now of the Forest of Dean, was due on December 27. On New Year's Eve, Mrs Lacey had been getting her "usual contractions" when they suddenly got stronger. She asked a friend to drive her to the hospital, but her waters broke while still inside the house.

Mike Lacey, her husband, phoned for an ambulance. But baby Megan was in too much of a rush to meet her new family and, at just after 1am on January 1, had to be delivered in the back of the ambulance in a layby.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.