For any new parents, bringing a newborn into the world is a daunting experience.

But for Margaret McDonnell and Marc Bull, from Ruislip, their new baby boy came as a complete surprise.

Mr Bull said he is still coming to terms with the birth of Archie Patrick Bull.

He took his girlfriend Miss McDonnell, 25, to Hillingdon Hospital's A&E department at 4am on Saturday with a mystery sickness.

Just four hours later she had given birth to their healthy, happy baby boy weighing 6lb 15oz.

Mum and dad are now getting to know baby Archie at home after having 'no idea' he was on his way into the world.

"We were in A&E and [Margaret] kept throwing up but we had no idea what was wrong with her.

"At first we thought it was a urine infection. After about four hours of being there the nurses said she was pregnant," Mr Bull, 26, said.

"A mid-wife came across and we were rushed to the maternity unit. She had the baby there and then in the middle of the ward because there were no available rooms at such short notice.

"I have been in complete shock for the last two days. I'm not an emotional person but I can't stop myself from crying," he said.

The birth is extra special for Miss McDonnell, who was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome when she was younger.

Doctors told her it was unlikely that she would be able to get pregnant after the age of 21.

"We are completely over the moon," Mr Bull said. "I have never felt this way before, it puts everything into perspective and it has completely changed the way I think."

The couple had been dating for four years, and Mr Bull said he was just beginning to work up the courage to start talking about having children.

"We had never mentioned it before, she was taking the contraceptive pill and we thought she might not be able to have children.

"We still can't get our heads around it," he said.

Mr Bull bought his first flat in Garden Close, Ruislip, just four weeks ago and since the surprise arrival he and Miss McDonnell have been inundated with gifts and hand-me-downs from family members.

"We both have big families," Mr Bull said, "so everyone has been bringing round furniture and baby clothes - our front room is full of stuff.

"The more I think about what has happened the more it panics me, but then I look at him and all the panic goes away," he said.