For Cloe had been on hand to deliver her sister's daughter two years previously when Amy had also suddenly gone into labour.

And following a frantic call history repeated itself after Amy arrived just in time to deliver Cloe's son Levi.

Neither of the sisters have any previous experience in midwifery but say instinct took over when it came to delivering each other's babies safely.

Cloe, 22, who lives in North Wales, said: "People find it hard to believe that Amy and I have ended up delivering each others babies.

"We couldn't believe history repeating itself when I went into labour before the midwife had arrived.

"It was exactly what had happened when Amy gave birth too. It is a good job we live just a few minutes from each other.

"When I delivered Amy's baby we had thought it was just a one off. But then when she delivered mine it was as though she was repaying the favour".

When she fell pregnant four years ago full time mother Amy, 24, decided to have a home birth.

Cloe said: "Amy's due date came and went and she was several days overdue when the phone rang.

"She told mum and I that she didn't feel well so we went straight round. When we arrived she was drinking a cup of tea and thought it was a false alarm.

"But then just moments later she had a contraction and it was labour starting. Within minutes her contractions were coming so fast that she could already feel the baby's head".

Amy's partner John telephoned the midwife who was due to be at the home birth, but she couldn't get to the house for an hour.

He then called for an ambulance but baby Bryony was already on her way.

Cloe said: "I was with Amy by her side and I could see the baby coming. I reached out and caught the baby and checked the umbilical cord wasn't around her neck.

"I wrapped her in a towel and placed her on Amy's stomach. We were all just in shock and didn't know what to say. I had never done any midwifery training before but instinct had just taken over.

"The midwife arrived shortly afterwards and cut the umbilical cord. She checked over both Amy and the baby and said to me that it was lucky that I'd been there".

Baby Bryony weighed a healthy 6lb 15oz and despite her sudden arrival into the world she didn't have to go to hospital.

Cloe said: "It was very emotional to have delivered Bryony for Amy. A couple of days later she gave me a thank you card, thanking me for bringing Bryony safely into the world.

"I had expected to be there at the home birth - but not to have to stand in for the midwife".

Then in September 2008 Cloe had some news of her own for her sister - she was pregnant.

Cloe said: "I was thrilled to find out I was expecting. Amy was the first person I told the news to and she was thrilled for me too".

Cloe's pregnancy progressed smoothly but four weeks before her due date she was sitting with Amy when she felt a twinge of pain. Within seconds her waters broke.

She said: "I just started to panic. Amy timed my contractions and they were two minutes apart. There was no time to lose; this baby was on its way".

The nearest hospital was 60 miles away. Amy rang for an ambulance, but the baby was too quick.

Cloe said: "Amy was there helping me, just like I'd helped her. And a few minutes later I pushed my son Levi into the world - straight into Amy's arms.

"I started to panic as he looked lifeless, but Amy wrapped him in a blanket and started to massage his tiny chest".

Minutes later the midwife arrived and supervised as Amy cut the umbilical cord. Then the ambulance arrived and Levi was given oxygen.

Cloe recalls: "The paramedics told us that had Amy not massaged his chest for those few vital minutes then he may not have survived. It was just such a lot to take in.

"Not only had my sister delivered my baby - just like I'd delivered hers - but she'd saved his life too".

Levi was taken to Bangor Hospital by air ambulance for a check up and was later allowed home.

Cloe added: "It was a relief to get home - and I can never thank Amy enough for safely delivering my son".

Amy adds: "When both of our children are older, we will tell them the remarkable story about how their aunties each brought them into the world".

MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: G & L Roberts Ltd / Rex features

Story by: Lucy Laing