CHILDHOOD sweethearts Pauline and Philip Smithers have just welcomed their third child into the world.

Dominic John Smithers was born a week early last month at Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester, and weighed 9lb 6oz.

Mum Pauline said she had to be induced after she began suffering from gestational diabetes.

She said: “He’s very healthy, considering he was early, and he’s quite a big boy.

“He will have to have more check-ups later this week because our first two children had problems.”

Mrs Smithers explained their first child Isabella, five, was born with a dislocated hip and their second child, Sebastian, three, had a hole in his heart.

Dominic will now be checked for similar health problems but is healthy and doing well.

Mrs Smithers added: “Philip and I were hoping beyond hope that Dominic would be a live wire and he is.

“He’s got his own mind and he already knows what he likes and what he doesn’t like.”

Dominic’s older brother and sister have already pitched in by helping to decorate their new brother’s room and giving up their old baby toys to him.

Mrs Smithers said that she and her husband, who live in Wyke regis, Weymouth, have known each other since they were 11 years old and began dating when they were 15, after meeting at the then Budmouth School. Mrs Smithers said they were married on March 20, 2005, on the anniversary of their first date.

Mr Smithers, 27, works as a night shift care assistant at Montevideo House in Weymouth.

Mrs Smithers, also 27, said she would like to thank Dr Macklin, Dr Ryan, diabetes nurse Lisa and all the maternity care staff at Dorset County Hospital.