A girl got the surprise of her life when she woke up for school one morning to find her baby sister had been born overnight.

Nine-year-old Honey Heycock was completely unaware of her mother giving birth while she slept.

Mum Stephanie Heycock, 34, had seventh child, Willow Heycock, on May 7 in an unplanned homebirth.

Honey, who was eight at the time, was asleep and completely unaware of her mum giving birth.

The next morning, Honey woke up for school and came into her mum's room to say good morning but instead found quite the surprise.

When she saw her baby sister for the first time, Honey was shocked and then, half asleep, trying to hold back tears as the feelings washed over her.

Stephanie, a part-time student and full-time mum based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, said: "I absolutely loved her reaction - I thought it was so beautiful."

"She had been waiting for the baby for so long, so it had been building."

"Honey didn't even know I was in labour before she went to bed, so it was a total surprise for her that morning."

"Having just given birth, I was pretty emotional, so she and I had a little cry together."

Having Willow at home wasn't exactly planned for Stephanie, but a mixture of wanting to be comfortable and trust in her midwife made it the best choice.

Stephanie said: "My midwife has helped me through my last three births, so I trust her very much."

"So when I called her at half 10 that night to say I was in labour, she came round and we got started."

"It was a perfect birth, despite the fact Willow was 10lbs 5oz and I had no pain medication."

Honey was especially excited to find out Willow was a girl, a fact which they had left to find out after the birth.

Stephanie said: "Both of Honey's younger siblings before Willow are boys, so she's wanted a little sister for a while."

"There was a worry that Honey might have missed the birth because she had a school trip coming up."

"Luckily, I gave birth to Willow on May 7 and Honey went on her trip on May 8."