Sir Paul's a dad again at 61

The youngster was born on Tuesday at a north London hospital close to their home in St John's Wood.

The couple, who have homes in Rye and Hove, issued a statement which said: "Heather and Paul McCartney are delighted to announce the birth of their baby daughter Beatrice Milly McCartney who was born in London on 28 October at 8.45pm by Caesarean section.

"The baby who arrived three weeks early weighed in at a healthy 7lb and both she and mum are doing well. Paul and Heather are ecstatic with the news.

"They said, 'She is a little beauty and we couldn't be prouder'.

"She is named after Heather's mother, Beatrice, and Paul's auntie, Milly.

"They added, 'Our immediate family were told the news right away and are all as overjoyed as we are at the early arrival of our little bundle of joy'."

The child is 61-year-old Sir Paul's fourth child. He has three children from his marriage to Linda, who died in 1998 - musician James, 25, photographer Mary, 33, and fashion designer Stella, 31.

He also has a stepdaughter, Heather, from Linda's first marriage.

Beatrice was delivered at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth in north London, close to Abbey Road where The Beatles recorded most of their magical moments.

Sir Paul, 61, married Heather in June last year.

They had feared they would be unable to have a child together because of complications when Ms Mills was younger.

She suffered two ectopic pregnancies during her previous marriage to computer sales director, Alfie Karmal. They split in 1989.

Ms Mills, a former model who lost her leg when she was hit by a police motorcyclist on an emergency call, now devotes much of her time to anti-landmine campaigning.

Claire Hornick, director of operations at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, said Sir Paul had been at the birth.

She said: "The baby is beautiful. They are just all together as a family now. Sir Paul has been with her throughout."