THE Bere Alston couple whose house was destroyed by the fire, reported in last weeks Times, had one major reason to celebrate this week — the birth of their baby son.

Simon Molyneux's wife, Stephanie, gave birth by caesarean to a baby boy this week. He has been named Jonathan Raveen Molyneux. Jonathan was born at the Norfolk Ward in Derriford Hospital on Saturday morning just after midnight, weighing 7lbs and 2oz.

Simon, who was training to be a teacher at Launceston College, said the college had allowed him to leave his training early, and his attention was now turning to finding the couple and their new arrival a new home to live in.

Simon is currently staying at Honicombe Manor holiday village at St Ann's Chapel. His wife is expected to be released from hospital today or tomorrow.

Simon said the couple had been planning to have a home birth until the fire had wreaked havoc with their intentions.