A QUICK-THINKING grandmother delivered her grandson on a pavement outside her daughter's South Norwood home.
Beverley Montaut, 48, was stunned to realise her daughter Danielle was giving birth to Dexter in Brocklesby Road on March 19.
Danielle had been sent home from Croydon University Hospital just an hour before, but her contractions suddenly became stronger and she was being escorted to a car when her waters broke.
Beverley said: "It just happened so quickly. I didn't have any time to think.
"We almost got her to the car but her waters broke and she was hanging off the door."
After realising there was no time to get to hospital, the quick-thinking hairdresser rushed into action, and the birth took place within just five minutes.
A neighbour was quickly on the scene to ring the hospital and ask for guidance for the improvised midwife.
Beverley said although she was frightened, she had to be calm for her daughter and took inspiration from an unlikely source.
"To be honest, I was worried because we were outside and didn't have any equipment. I just kept thinking how it was a bit like an EastEnders episode," she said.
"People keep asking me how I did it and I don't know the answer.
"I was delighted to see he was healthy and he's a gorgeous little boy."
Both mother and baby were fine and after travelling to hospital for checks, they returned home on the same night.
Danielle, 25, who already has son Maximus – named after Russell Crowe's character in Gladiator – with partner Davian Gordon, was three days late with Dexter.
She said: "It was ridiculous. I dilated fully in an hour so the hospital couldn't have known.
"The only thing I remember is all my neighbours chucking towels at me. Most of them didn't even know I was pregnant!
"My first pregnancy lasted six hours so I didn't expect this.
"Obviously, I don't want to have a baby in these circumstances again, but at least it was quick."
