Perfect timing for a happy dad | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

Ricky Bretherton received the best Father's Day present ever yesterday - a 7lb 4oz healthy baby girl.

The Wanganui restaurant worker was at the bedside in the Wanganui Hospital maternity ward at 4.30am yesterday when his wife Gioia ended a seven-hour ordeal to deliver the wee parcel of joy.

"This is the best Father's Day present ever, although I sneakily went out and bought myself one just in case she didn't arrive on the day," Mr Bretherton said. "I bought myself an X-Box game.

"We are still playing the name game with our daughter and she will be a great surprise for her older brother. He's 17 months and called Presley, just like the king of rock'n' roll."

Mrs Bretherton said the birth went well and she was pleased her daughter was healthy.

"Thankfully, she arrived after seven hours of labour - unlike her brother, who took 32 hours," Mrs Bretherton said.

And dad Ricky isn't expecting any problems taking a few days off work to get to know the new arrival.

"I work for my father-in-law at the Al Ponte Italian restaurant in town."

Maternity staff said the baby was the only birth at Wanganui Hospital on Father's Day.