A TAXI driver who set out with two fares picked up a third without stopping.

That's because baby Sophia Luckett was in such a hurry to meet the world she couldn't wait for mum to get to the maternity ward.

Her express delivery was over in less than the time it took for cabbie Brian Croft to drive from Townhill Road to Sketty while conveying mum and dad to Singleton Hospital.

Catherine Griffiths and partner Stuart Luckett called out Tiger Cabs during the early hours as they do not have their own transport.

"We only got as far as the turning to Tycoch College when Catherine's waters broke," said Stuart, 28.

"By the time we got to the Vivian in Sketty, the baby was out.

''It was over in just three minutes and Catherine delivered the baby herself.

''It happened so quickly, I just couldn't believe it."

Catherine, aged 23, said: "I was in complete and utter shock.

"They say that when the contractions are about two minutes apart and last for a really long time, the baby is on its way.

"But with me they were only lasting a few seconds. I thought I had a lot longer than I did have.

"To go from my waters breaking to my daughter being born three minutes later was quite a shock.

"My partner was telling me not to push and to hold off.

"But by then it was a bit too late for that. Her head was out and I had to finish the job."

Sophia was actually born two days late, weighing in at a healthy 7lb 8oz. The couple are also the parents of 10-month-old Jazmine.

Catherine also had a relatively easy delivery with her first daughter, as her labour only lasted two hours.

The family are now home in Townhill Road, where cabbie Brian has already been to visit.

It was quite a dramatic journey for Brian, who returned to taxi driving last May after a 20-year break.

"When Catherine got in, the first thing I said to her was, 'I hope your waters don't break'," he said.

"But by time we had got to the top of Townhill Road they had broken and I had started to panic.

"I didn't dare put my foot down and when I looked back she was standing up.

"They phoned the hospital and I kept going.

"By the time we got between Sketty cross and the next set of lights, she said: 'The baby is out.

"When we got to Singleton I got out and opened the door and there she was, holding the baby in her arms.

"From the time I picked them up to the time we got to the hospital just15 minutes passed and in that time she had the baby. It was amazing."

Proud dad Stuart added: "The look on Brian's face was a picture."

paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk