WOMAN TO BE BRITAIN'S OLDEST MUM

Dr Rashbrook, who lives with husband John on School Hill,Lewes, will then become the oldest woman in Britain to have given birth.

A crowd of national Press reporters and photographers were camped outside the couple's home today (Thursday) after the news broke.

Dr Rashbrook reportedly flew to Rome for fertility treatment from Italian fertility expert Severino Antinori.

The Sun newspaper broke the story.

And in a joint statement Mr Farrant and Dr Rashbrook said: 'We wish to emphasise that this has not been an endeavour we have undertaken lightly or without courage.

'A great deal of thought has been given to planning and providing for the child's present and future well-being, medically, socially and materially.

'We are very happy to have given life to an already much loved baby, and our wish now is to give him the peace and security he needs.'

He did admit: 'It is a daunting prospect at our age.'

In the UK the age limit for women receiving IVF is 50.

Mr Farrant is currently writing a book on 16th century maritime history.

Dr Rashbrook is a consultant child psychiatrist with the East Sussex Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

The Sussex Partnership NHS Trust said it was entirely a private matter for Dr Rashbrook.