A COASTGUARD helicopter turned airborne maternity unit as a boy was born at 1,400ft.

The new mum went into labour while visiting the Isles of Scilly but no midwife was available.

The Newquay Coastguard helicopter was scrambled, collected a midwife, picked up the mum-to-be and her partner and set off for a hospital in Truro, Cornwall.

But the tot was born on board the aircraft over Penzance.

South West Ambulance Service had asked the Coastguard for help as there was no midwife on the islands on Saturday night.

The dash began at about 7pm and at 8.53pm, with the help of the midwife and aircrew, the healthy baby boy was born.

Jonathan Mustard, aeronautical operations controller for HM Coastguard, said: "This is the second time that a baby has been born on board a Coastguard helicopter.

"The last one was born over Lunna Holm, Shetland in December 2012.

HM Coastguard said: “We are thrilled and delighted to have played a part in the birth and are pleased that mum and baby are doing well.”