THE largest family in Bournemouth is celebrating its latest addition following a dramatic birth.

The Lewis family, of West Parley, have previously garnered national attention with 51-year-old Tracy boasting 13 children – and after the arrival of baby Princess last week – 14 grandchildren.

However, it appeared things were not going to plan when Tracy’s 29-year-old daughter Sam, Miss Bournemouth in 2004, went into labour late on Wednesday night.

“I was sat watching TV when I started getting the pains,” explained Sam. “After having them for about an hour I phoned the hospital and they said to come straight in.

“I wanted my mum to be there because it’s such a special moment, so I called her and said ‘mum I’m in agony – come and get me now’.”

Tracy rushed to be by her daughter’s side and helped her into the car as they prepared to go to the maternity unit at Poole Hospital. But as they approached the Lansdowne Roundabout Sam begged her mum to pull over.

“I was just in too much pain – the baby was ready to come out and there was no way I was getting to hospital without some pain relief,” said Sam.

A paramedic arrived in an emergency response vehicle minutes later and Sam recounted how after receiving gas and air she agreed to get into the car and be taken to hospital.

After being carried into the unit by the paramedic, the midwifery team started getting to work, with insufficient time for any further pain medication to be administered.

Just 16 minutes after arriving at the hospital Princess was born, weighing in at a healthy 7lb 4oz.

“They said I was a midwife’s dream," Sam added. "They said I broke the record and that the quickest they’d had before was 26 minutes.”

Sam stayed in hospital overnight but is now enjoying spending time with the family's latest little arrival and introducing her to her many relatives.