Rebecca - the Hurricane baby - twenty years on

The destructive weather was not only one of the most memorable events in Bexhill's history, it was also the day on which Rebecca was born.

A desperate journey through some of the most violent weather on record allowed her to be born safe and sound at the Buchanan Hospital in St Leonards. The Observer recorded the event on the front page.

Rebecca, or Becky as she prefers to be called, this week posed with the paper just days before her birthday.

She has been told the remarkable story of her birth many times by friends and family.

Ambulance men battled to reach the Bexhill home of her mother, Elizabeth, and father, Bill, at the height of the storm. The crew had to try three different routes to get to the house because of trees blocking the road.

Originally the couple had intended to drive to hospital at Eastbourne but were told the journey would be impossible. Bexhill Police advised the couple not to drive and radioed for the ambulance. A 'dash' was made to the Buchanan instead, driving over trees and pavements on the way.

The five-mile journey took a full hour.

Fortunately they reached the hospital with time to spare and Becky was born weighing 7lb 14oz.

Becky said: "I am kind of used to people telling me about it now. I think it was the middle of the night when she went in to labour, the ambulance came from St Leonards to Bexhill and went through branches, trees and everything.

"My dad followed in his car.

"Seeing as it was when I was born, I do find it really interesting to read about it and find out more about what happened."

Becky has just started university in Brighton where she is studying complimentary health care.

She became engaged to Jon Honeysett, 20, in May. The couple regularly help out at Bexhill Museum.

Becky added: "The storm was quite a big event for Bexhill and very important. I am very lucky to be a part of it. It was quite a close dash."