A family day out to London Zoo turned into unexpected baby joy for the Trower family of Laindon.

Debbie, 37, had another eight days of her pregnancy left and was convinced the latest addition to her family was going to be late, rather than early.

However, coming face-to-face with lions, tigers and gorillas for the first time in 30 years proved all too much for the mum-to-be.

She said: "It must have been the excitement of being in the company of all those animals that brought the birth on.

"I never dreamed the day would end as it did."

Debbie of Suffolk Drive, Laindon, organised Saturday's trip with her mum, Iris, dad Ron, five-year-old daughter Amber and husband Paul, 39.

Her pains started to come on strong after lunch during a stage show involving "climbing, leaping and flying" animals.

An ambulance was called by zoo first-aid staff and Debbie was whisked to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington.

Within four hours 6lbs 8oz Cory <OK> had arrived in the world.

Debbie, who is captain of the 1st Laindon Girls' Brigade, said: "It all happened so quickly."