AND lo, a baby was born in a lay-by on the A379.

Lola Misty Blue Baker was born to Charlie and Tess Baker, owners of the Millbrook Inn in South Pool, on New Year’s Eve - only twelve days after the village’s Nativity play.

At South Pool’s annual Nativity play, Tess was playing the part of Mary, and many in the village hoped she could deliver a live birth during the performance.

The couple were planning for a home-birth, but with labour taking longer than expected, an ambulance was called. And on their way to Derriford Hospital in an ambulance, Tess gave birth in a lay-by next to the Flete Estate.

Lola has been given the middle names Misty Blue, as a nod to her being born in an ambulance.

The family were back home at the pub on New Year’s Day - when the village of South Pool traditionally celebrate the beginning of the year.

The Millbrook Mash-Up Band, featuring a rotating cast of local musicians, performed for seven hours. And Charlie and Tess wetted the baby’s head with a pint of South Hams Brewery’s Devon Pride.

Charlie said: ‘Thanks to everybody in the village for their concern and excitement - we even had a couple of former midwives in the village on standby.

‘And thanks to all the people who were waiting for us when we got home.’