MUM Rachael Hunt gave birth in the front seat of her car while being driven to hospital.

The little girl was due to be called Grace - but because she made an appearance at a set of traffic lights Rachel has named her Amber.

The drama began last Saturday night when Rachael, 23, from France Lynch, Chalford, began having powerful contractions. Partner Brian, 46, alerted Stroud Maternity Hospital and they set off in their Rover 214.

"Five minutes later my waters broke as we were approaching the Bowbridge traffic lights at Thrupp," said Rachael, who has another child - 20-month-old Oliver.

"I could feel the baby's head in my hands and she just popped out.

"I would have been terrified if it had been my first child but I knew how things should feel and delivered Amber quite easily.

"The front seat of a small car wasn't the easiest place to do it but it happened very smoothly really."

She wrapped the 7lbs 6ozs baby in her coat and held her to her breast until they arrived at hospital.

Now mum and baby are fine.

"She's absolutely lovely and didn't come to any harm," said Rachael. Now the couple are raising cash for

Stroud Maternity Hospital.

Donations can be made at the couple's local pubs - the Old Neighbourhood Inn in Chalford and the King's Head in France Lynch.