The parents of a baby boy born on a fire station forecourt returned to say thank you to the firefighters who helped them.

Simon and Heather Avery met up with the blue watch crew at Worthing station exactly a week after Austin's unexpected arrival.

They spent an hour talking to crew members and taking a look around before the watch presented them with a baby blanket embroidered with Austin's name and date of birth.

The drama unfolded last Wednesday when Mr Avery, 33, pulled up in his car at the station in Ardsheal Road, telling them his wife was about to give birth.

Crew commander Maisie Rudkin helped Mrs Avery while others put up protective screens while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

When Mrs Avery, 31, got into the ambulance there was no time to get to Worthing Hospital and Mrs Rudkin delivered Austin there and then with the help of paramedics.

Mrs Avery, of Sandfield Avenue, Littlehampton, said: “I remember the car pulling up and I remember Maisie and other people around but it all happened so fast and it's a bit of a blur.

“It is funny being back here exactly a week later. It's a lot less dramatic for everyone today.

“It was lovely to be able to come back and say thank you properly to everyone who helped us.

“It will be a really good story to tell Austin when he gets older and something to laugh about.

“We are so grateful and it is reassuring to know there are people like the blue watch crew around to help with a different type of emergency.

“Austin is thriving and slept the whole way through the visit.”

Mrs Rudkin, a mother-of-three from Angmering, said: “Everyone at the station was very pleased to see Austin and Mr and Mrs Avery and we are delighted that everyone is happy and well.”

Austin was born weighing a healthy 8lb 12oz and he and Mrs Avery were taken to Worthing Hospital to be checked over before being discharged the next day.

Mr and Mrs Avery also have another son, Corbin, who is 22 months old.