WHEN?South Western Railway took over the running of the Waterloo to Alton line earlier this year, they probably only had one type of arrival in mind.

But history was made this month when the rail franchise welcomed its youngester ever passenger – as Noemi Mercurelli went into labour around 10.40am on a train bound for Farnham while returning from a trip to London. Thirty minutes later, baby Sophia was welcomed into the world.

Guard Martin Miller was walking through the train tending to his duties when Noemi alerted him that she was going into labour. He immediately informed South Western Railway’s control centre and requested that an ambulance meet Noemi at the nearest station, which happened to be Surbiton.

Martin arranged for station staff to meet Noemi at the platform and wait with her until the ambulance arrived. He tweeted soon afterwards: “So very pleased to be able to assist a lady that had gone into labour on my train today between Waterloo and Farnham. Many congratulations on the impending birth of your daughter.”

After a rail passenger responded by calling him a hero, Martin responded with typical modesty and humour.

“I did nothing more than call for an ambulance and make sure there was someone able to wait with the lady until help arrived. I won’t be hanging up my whistle to be become a baby catcher just yet,” he joked.

New Mum Noemi tweeted her message of gratitude along with a photograph of baby Sophia the day after the birth. She said: “A big thank you to the amazing staff of @SW_Help , #SurbitonStation and @stjohnambulance for your help yesterday. To the passengers, sorry for the little delay caused on your way to Farnham!”

South Western Railway staff were so taken with the news of the first “train baby”, they arranged to meet Noemi and Sophia at Farnham station to spoil them with some presents, including a baby grow that reads: “My journey started on South Western Railway”.

Noemi said: “I was only going in to London to run some errands. I went into labour at 10.40am and by 11.10am baby Sophia was born at the hospital. My friends and family were all very shocked when I told them the story.”

Alan Penlington, South Western Railway’s director of customer experience, said: “Everyone was delighted by the news and smitten when they saw the photograph of baby Sophia. It’s not every day we hear about a South Western Railway baby, so we wanted to spoil Noemi and baby Sophia with some treats to celebrate her arrival.

“Well done to all of our colleagues who helped to make Noemi’s experience as comfortable as possible by reassuring her and acting speedily to get the ambulance there on time. We all wish baby Sophia the very best for the future and look forward to welcoming her on to one of our services very shortly.”