LITTLE Charlie Wills came into the world on Christmas Day, just hours after his dad proposed to his mum.

New dad Richard Wills joked that the shock of him proposing after seven years with partner Julie Mulcahy must have sent her into labour.

Julie, aged 31, of Spring Street, Brynglas, Newport, said: "Richard proposed to me in the morning, then I cooked dinner and did the washing up before going into labour.

"I'd had pains in the day, but didn't think anything of it because it was six weeks early. About 4pm it started for real and I phoned up the ward."

Richard, aged 26, said: "She had her legs crossed at the draining board; the shock must have sent her into labour."

Little Charlie was eventually born at 7.56pm, weighing in at just 5lb 2oz. He is currently in special care as a precautionary measure because he was born prematurely.

Richard said: "He's doing really well, but when he comes out depends on his feeding." Julie was due out of hospital today.

Little Charlie, who has a big sister, 13-year-old Rene Mulcahy, also has a present waiting for him under the Christmas tree when he gets home.

Julie said a relative had bought him a Winnie the Pooh teddy bear, even though he had not been expected for Christmas.

*PICTURED: Parents Richard and Julie with baby Charlie.