AT JUST five-days-old, Lowen Steen, of Marhamchurch, met the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, HRH Prince Charles and Camilla, during their visit to Bude on Monday, July 15.

Originally due on July 15, Lowen decided he wanted to see his parents much quicker and on July 10, mum Poppy started her contractions.

Even the paramedics and midwife were too slow and dad Paul was left taking instruction from the 999 call operator at their home at Winterleaze, near Marham­church.

Lowen can be translated from Cornish for happy or joy. He is Paul and Poppy's second child. His 22-month-old sister Phoebe was asleep in her room throughout the birth.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the 'Post'.