The woman gave birth on a Southeastern train at West Malling

A midwife helped deliver a baby when a fellow passenger went into labour on a packed rush-hour commuter train at West Malling, it has emerged.

Sonia Banks, 22, gave birth to little Phoebe on the 6.18pm service from London Victoria to Ashford International yesterday evening.

Southeastern today revealed how the driver's plea for help was answered - by the midwife, a nurse and an off-duty police officers who helped the conductor clear the carriage.

The rail operator, which said the train service was delayed by about 40 minutes, said mother and daughter are doing well in hospital.

Adam Stanley said on Twitter he is a "proud uncle for the second time" after the birth.

"we had everyone we needed right there on the train. we were only missing a vicar to baptise the baby..." – conductor colin brooker

Miss Banks had boarded the train at Borough Green with her boyfriend Alan Stanley, 21, and his mother Mari-Anne Stanley, who lives in Cuxton.

She went into labour five minutes into her journey.

Driver Rob Friend put a call over the tannoy pleading for any medics to come forward.

Luckily, one of the passengers was a midwife and was able to help until the emergency services arrived.

There was also a nurse on board giving medical assistance and an off-duty policeman who helped the conductor evacuate the carriage for the exclusive use of the mum-to-be, her partner and her mother.

The baby was born within 30 minutes at around 7.40pm.

Conductor Colin Brooker said: "We had everyone we needed right there on the train. We were only missing a vicar to baptise the baby!

“I kept all the passengers onboard informed about the delay and there was a big cheer when we announced the baby was born."

The father-of-four added: "In all my 41 years working on the railway I've never experienced anything like this. It was amazing. I'll be having some celebration drinks tomorrow to wet the baby's head."

The conductor and driver continued to work the rest of evening shift, which ended at 1am.

congratulations to the mother who gave birth to a baby girl pheobe on board the 18:18 london victoria to ashford train. #southeastern

— southeastern (@se_railway) march 7, 2013

Fellow passengers took to the social networking site to send their congratulations.

Sophia Looney, said: "O Lordy. Woman on my train just gave birth to a daughter. Eventful journey."

A commuter called James DEA, wrote: "I think the baby born on #southeastern tonight should be given free rail travel for life."

And passenger Richard Woodward, tweeted: "At last - a happy excuse for a late #southeastern train."

Another passenger suggested the carriage should be named after Phoebe.

Do you know the passenger who gave birth? Please phone the newsroom on 01634 227834.