A CHILD'S first birthday is a joy for any parent - but for Alfie Winlow-Cook's family it is a day they thought they would never get the chance to cherish.

A CHILD'S first birthday is a joy for any parent - but for Alfie Winlow-Cook's family it is a day they thought they would never get the chance to cherish.

A year ago, the tiny tot was given little hope of survival after becoming one of the youngest premature babies to be born at Ipswich Hospital.

But despite weighing in at just 1lb and 3ozs, he mustered the courage of a boxing champion - and proved his bravery by celebrating his first birthday with his proud parents.

His mother, Emily Winlow, 17, of Britannia Road, Ipswich, said: “This time last year, doctors were telling us he wasn't going to make it, but here he his smiling and giggling. He is such a beautiful little boy.”

Miss Winlow had another scare this year when she nearly went into premature labour with her second child until doctors intervened.

Dad Dean Cook, 19, said: “We had to be prepared for the worst. We just had to go stage by stage so we are really happy to be where we are now.”

For the full moving story see tonight's Evening Star.