A MOTHER who went into labour in a department store has named her baby John Lewis in tribute to staff who came to her aid.

Catering manager Anita Baidoe was shopping for a baby carrier in John Lewis' nursery department when she unexpectedly went into labour eight weeks early.

Ms Baidoe, of Plumstead High Street, Plumstead, was in the store's branch in Brent Cross Shopping Centre, north London, when concerned staff came running to her rescue.

The 32-year-old mother-of-two recalled experiencing severe pains shortly after entering the famous department store.

She said: "I was out shopping with my friend quite happily, but when I got to John Lewis I felt a severe pain and couldn't move.

"The staff saw I was looking hot and bothered and got me a chair and called a first aider, but I kept telling them I didn't think it was serious.

"We called my partner Sam to come and pick me up, but the contractions had already started and the first aider said I must get to hospital."

Ms Baidoe was rushed to Northwick Park Hospital where she was in labour for 10 hours before giving birth to a 4lb 4oz boy on December 14.

Proud father Sam Quartey, 35, says he was really impressed with fantastic customer service given to his partner at the store.

He said: "They were absolutely fantastic by all accounts, fussing over her and making her comfortable.

"We didn't know the sex of the baby until he was born, but then it just came to us. We should call him John Lewis Quartey."

Staff at the store were so pleased with the couple's naming of the baby they sent flowers and an imprints box used for framing an impression of a baby's hands and feet.

But as Ms Baidoe pointed out: "I think if I had been shopping in Dorothy Perkins I would have had to find him another name."