The death of popular Tesco worker Brett King earlier this year was met with shock and sadness across the Island.

His girlfriend Charmaine Sellen found out she was expecting his baby shortly after his funeral.

As the family prepares for their first Christmas without him, they say they have been blessed by the arrival of his 'miracle' son.

Blake James King was born at Medway Maritime Hospital last week.

Brett, 23, died at his and Charmaine's home in Elder Walk, Minster, in the early hours of March 19.

He had been suffering with a sore throat, feeling sick, constantly thirsty and feeling tired.

His sudden death left the family devastated.

But the arrival of his son has given them a new focus for a Christmas which will be difficult without him.

The 21-year-old gave birth to Blake James King at Medway Maritime Hospital by emergency Caesarean on December 13 at 5.48am.

He was 13 days overdue and was born weighing 8lb 13oz.

Charmaine's birthing partners were her mum Sharon and Brett's mum Karen.

Blake was suffering from jaundice when he was born and also had to have some tests because of what happened to his dad but everything is fine and he and his mum were discharged from hospital on Friday.

Brett and Charmaine had been trying for a baby since before last Christmas and had already picked out names - Brett's middle name was also James.

Charmaine, who has gone back to her home in Elder Walk, Minster, said she was shocked at first when she found out but soon came round to being pleased she would always have a part of Brett with her - and she said Blake looks just like his dad.

She added: "I'm loving motherhood and I'm really, really happy.

"Since we moved into our house it was always on the cards.

"We both got to the point we were really happy and had been together a long time - we thought the time was right.

"Brett would have been over the moon and would've been the best dad ever." She said Blake's jaundice levels have now dropped and he's looking much better.

Karen, of Scrapsgate Road, Minster, said the family didn't know the couple, who had been together for six years, had been trying for a baby and she feels blessed at the arrival of her first grandchild.

She said: "It's a miracle she even got pregnant because Brett had been so ill.

"We were really, really pleased because we feel like a bit of Brett has been left behind to help us with Christmas but we're so sad he's not here.

"We feel so blessed to have Blake; he's lovely - really gorgeous."

Charmaine and Blake will be spending part of Christmas Day with Karen, Brett's dad Andy and his sisters Becca, 17 and Natalie, 27.

Charmaine will be returning to her job as a teaching assistant at Queenborough Primary School after maternity leave and also working one day a week at Tesco.

Her family and Brett's family will share looking after Blake.

Karen added: "Brett would be so chuffed - every time I think of him I see a smiling face."