BEAMING with happiness, firefighter Daren Austin and his Turkish wife Emel proudly cuddle the latest addition to their family.

Their smiles of joy at the safe arrival of baby Ilayda are a far cry from the anxiety of last year - when it was feared Daren would not be allowed to bring his new bride back to Britain, after their wedding in Turkey.

The Argus revealed last September how Daren, 28, from Newport Road, Caldicot, and Emel, 30, had an agonising, one-month wait to see if the Immigration Service would allow her to enter Britain after they were married in Turkey on September 21.

The pair were overjoyed when Emel was finally granted a visa by the British consulate in Istanbul last October.

Now they are celebrating again after Emel gave birth to 6lb 6oz Ilayda. The name is Turkish for water fairy and was chosen by Emel's parents from a book of Turkish names.

Ilayda is a "little cracker," according to her father, and is already ruling the roost.

Daren said: "She's brilliant, a real character, but she's very fussy.

"We're both over the moon. Ilayda has brought me and her mother even closer together which I didn't think was possible.

"Emel's parents are here and have been since July. They'll be around until September, and to be honest, they've been a godsend.

"I come home from work and all the housework is done, the house is spotless and there's a meal on the table.

"It's the first time they've been grandparents so they want to be a part of it all. She recognises our voices already, the whole thing has given me such a different outlook on life."

Ilayda, who has jet black hair and blue eyes, will visit her other relatives in Turkey once she's old enough to travel.

The couple met while Daren was on holiday in Turkey two years ago. They kept in touch via telephone and text messages before finally getting married last September.

Emel said the baby was keeping them awake at night but that she was doing very well.

She added: "Ilayda is beautiful and we are very proud."