AN ABINGDON couple have spoken about the joy of giving birth to sextuplets and the pain of losing one of the babies.

The six babies were born by Caesarean section at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford 14 weeks early on May 14.

They were born at 26 weeks, weighing between 1lb 5oz and just under 2lb.

One of the babies died after six days, but the remaining five, who are being cared for in the special care baby unit, are getting stronger.

Health-and-safety consultant Andy Lamb and his wife Vicky, both 31 said some days the babies appeared to take one step forward, and then take three back.

The surviving babies are called Layla, Eric, Pippa, Ellen and Rose.

Matthew, born fourth weighing 1lb 6oz, suffered a bleed on the brain two days after his birth and died four days later in his parents’ arms.

All the babies are now off ventilators.

Mrs Lamb conceived the sextuplets after taking a fertility drug.

The couple also have a , five-year-old daughter called Grace.

The babies are not expected to be allowed home until they weigh at least 4lb.