THE parents of a baby girl who was delivered in The Boars Head pub during the coronavirus lockdown have described the experience of her birth as "surreal".

Lee Nutton and partner Naomi Clarke were on their way to Whiston Hospital's maternity ward by car on Friday.

But, with baby on the way, paramedics advised them to pull over in a safe spot - and the pub's car park on Elton Head Road was the nearest place they could find.

After the landlord of the venue spotted the drama unfolding outside, baby Esmae Florence ended up being delivered on a pile of blankets on the floor of the pub.

Dad Lee, 34, from Parr, explained how the day unfolded.

He told the Star: "We went to the hospital first thing in the morning (Friday) but they sent us home, then again at 3pm and they sent us back as she was only 3cm dilated.

"But once we got home she was adamant she wanted to go back so I did as I was told and was driving back to the hospital when Naomi shouted that she needed to push.

St Helens Star:

"The paramedic on the phone advised us to pull over at the next safest spot - and it just so happened to be The Boars Head car park."

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, pubs are currently closed. However landlord Alex O'Neill, who lives at the venue, was doing works during the closure when he saw a paramedic car pull up outside.

Alex, 49, said: "I saw a paramedic in the car park, so naturally I went out to offer the paramedics a drink, but then I saw a very nervous and stressed young man and his partner.

"I asked what was wrong and he said 'I think we're about to have a baby in your car park', so I said 'no you're not mate I've just sanitised the entire pub, come in'.

"Me and my wife ran around getting blankets, towels and my wife's dressing gown together and a midwife turned up and ambulance within 10 minutes.

"The girl's waters broke and the paramedic said 'well you're having a pub baby'."

Lee added: "To say it was surreal to have your baby be born in an empty pub on lockdown is an understatement but Esmae Florence was born at 4.58pm right there on the floor of The Boars Head.

"Everyone was clapping and crying, including Alex the landlord.

"We then went to hospital and got her checked and she is perfect and weighed 6lb 4oz.

"We don't know quite what we'll put on her birth certificate for place of birth, I'm sure on a pub floor isn't an option.

"That will be a story she will always have to tell her friends.

"The Boars Head is definitely a special place to us now."

Alex added: "I was speechless to be honest, it's a day like no other. I gave the couple a bottle of prosecco before they left.

"I told her dad, you can pre-book that baby girl's 18th birthday here right now, and the wetting of the head.

"What an amazing event that will stay with us in our hearts for years to come.

"I posted it online as people were worried it was something to do with us, and people have been made up saying 'is that what you have to do to get in a pub at the minute'.

"It was incredible though, I can't wait until this is all over and they can come back in for a visit.

"Congratulations to all."