Doctors said tiny Paige Jacques was unlikely to survive after coming into the world in June weighing just 1.7lb.

First time parents Alan and Daniela Jacques, both age 31, from Hemel Hempstead, watched their daughter live her first two months inside an incubator.

Dad Alan said: "When Paige was born there was nothing to her at all, she was all skin and bones and a nasty burgundy colour.

"It was weeks before we could cuddle her.

"They said for days they didn't think she'd survive, then they said if she did she would be disabled, then they said she would be learning difficulties, then heart and lung problems.

"It wasn't until a few weeks ago they confirmed she would be absolutely fine. It's been a hard journey."

Paige spent six weeks in intensive care after she was born in Watford General on June 6 and rushed to a specialist unit in London's Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital less than 12 hours later.

Alan said: "People give the NHS a hard time but the hospital care Paige received was superb.

"We don't know what triggered the labour. She wasn't due until September 20."

Alan and Daniela were able to bring Paige to their Panxworth Road home on August 26. She now weighs in at 5lb 2oz.

The couple, who have had to buy baby clothes from a specialist website, have been told that by Paige's first birthday she will be a normal size for her age.

Grandmother Janet Jacques, of Wooton Drive, Hemel Hempstead, said: "For other people who have tiny, tiny babies and feel there is no hope, Paige shows that there is.

"It was 50/50 that she would survive but she's done so well."

Alan and Daniela Jacques kept a diary of premature baby Paige's journey, these are their key dates:

June 6: Born at Watford General Hospital at 8pm weighing 812g

June 7: Transfered to Queen Charlottes and Chelsea Hospital, London, at 5am

June 10: Upgraded from humidity tent to incubator

June 15 - Father's Day - First cuddle

June 22: Opened her eyes for the first time

July 29: Moved back to Watford Hospital weighing 1585g aged seven and a
half weeks- mum Daniela should be 32 weeks pregnant.

August 4: Paige is moved out of the incubator and into a cot

August 15: Her oxygen machine is turned off and she can breathe without assistance

August 26: Came home