BEAUTIFUL Lydia Rose Elsie Hogger kept her parents waiting before making her entrance into the world.

The little bundle of joy was ten days late when she arrived on August 14, weighing in at eight pounds and five ounces.

She was well worth the wait though for first-time parents Harry and Rhiannon, who live in Weymouth.

Dad Harry, a reporter with the Dorset Echo, said: “She’s such an amazing little lady, she’s starting to smile now and it just melts my heart every time.”

He thought Lydia was only late to ensure her father was off on paternity leave on his 30th birthday a week later so the whole family could enjoy it together.

Harry and Rhiannon, a mental health support worker, wanted to thank all the staff at Dorset County Hospital and the midwife team for all their support before, during and after the birth.

Harry said: “They really are a fantastic team. I also have to pay tribute to my wonderful wife, it wasn't the easiest of births but she was incredible. She's taken to motherhood like a natural as well and we’re loving being a little family unit.”