Pensioner Romeo Corsi is convinced David and Victoria Beckham's new baby will have no trouble with romance - his name should be more than enough.

Mr Corsi, 73, of Seaview Road, Peacehaven, says the name he shares with the Beckhams' latest arrival has certainly helped make him a hit with the opposite sex.

Victoria Beckham is recovering in hospital after giving birth to her second son at 9.40am on Sunday at the private Portland Hospital in London.

She is expected to remain in hospital for the next few days.

The latest addition to the Beckham household weighed 7lb 4oz and was described by father David as "gorgeous".

Beckham was at the birth after playing in Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Wearside on Saturday.

The footballer, viewed by many as an ideal father since his first son Brooklyn was born, said the couple chose the name Romeo purely because they liked it.

Mr Corsi was given his name by his father, who was a fan of Italian car makers Alfa Romeo. Three years earlier his father had had his sister christened Alfa.

Mr Corsi said: "My father just loved cars.

"He always said that if he had two children he would name them Alfa and Romeo and that is exactly what he did."

Despite being named after a car, the former forklift truck driver says he has always loved his name.

"I am very proud of my name. I was very aware of the Shakespearean link when I was growing up and people would constantly tease me about it. But I didn't mind.

"It had benefits, too, and always seemed to impress the ladies.

"I am delighted the Beckham's new boy has been called Romeo and I am sure he has every chance of such success as well."

Mr Corsi's sister Alfa Clayton died two and a half years ago, aged 74.

She was a respected member of the Peacehaven community, the town's mayor from 1983 to 1985 and then again from 1987 to 1988.

Mr Corsi said: "As her name meant the first letter in the alphabet, it always made her feel quite special. We both very much liked our names."

Mr Corsi and his wife, Joyce, 72, stuck to more traditional names for their own family, naming their own children Alan - he is now 49 - and Phillip, who is 38.