Her day began like any other – but minutes from work physio-therapist Helen Ivers turned midwife and delivered her first baby, in the street outside a Leicester hospital.

The drama unfolded when Carmen Blake, who lives in Grisedale Close, went into labour and began making her way to nearby Leicester Royal Infirmary.

As the 27-year-old reached Havelock Street, she knew she was not going to make it to the maternity unit in time. A friend with her dialled 999 and yelled out for help.

Helen, 31, who was on her way into work, came to her aid – and immediately found herself delivering the baby.

She said: "Carmen was leaning against a low wall and was very upset. I sort of dragged her to the ground and within about 10 seconds the baby's head was showing.

"I shouted 'Where are the paramedics?'

"The man on the phone said he would talk me through the birth, but I had to put the phone on the pavement, to help Carmen."

Helen, whose healthcare training did not include midwifery, added: "When the baby's head came out I realised the cord was around its neck. It's all a bit of a blur, but I think instinct kicked in and I just pulled it over the baby's head.

"Then I managed to get the shoulders out. There was a heart-stopping moment when the baby was born, but she cried almost straight away.

"The next thing I remember is the paramedic shouting from the phone that the baby had been born at 8.11am."

At the same time, two midwives, a midwifery assistant and an ambulance arrived on the scene.

Helen said: "I had wrapped the baby in a blanket and then held her while everyone saw to Carmen.

"It was just lovely to see them both safe and well. I'm just glad it turned out so well."

Carmen, who has three other children, has named her baby Mariah Helen as a thank-you to the makeshift midwife.

She said: "I really don't know what would have happened without Helen, especially as the cord was round the baby's neck.

"I am so grateful to her. She was fantastic, I can't thank her enough.

"I was going into shock because the baby was born so quickly."

Mariah was born at 8.11am on Sunday, August 2.

Helen has won praise from maternity and ambulance officials.

Melanie Wright, East Midlands Ambulance Service communications manager, said: "This was clearly a traumatic experience for all concerned. Helen did exactly as we asked.

"She stayed calm, listened to instructions and kept reassuring Carmen. She should be very proud of herself."

Sue Bennion, a senior midwife at Leicester's hospitals said: "Babies can arrive very quickly and Helen really kept her cool"