The first baby to be born as a result of treatment at a Midlands fertility clinic will celebrate his 18th birthday today.

Brett Rigby was born on October 16, 1988 after his mother Pauline Rigby underwent IVF treatment at Midland Fertility Services.

The 46-year-old and her husband Martin became parents after seven years of infertility and two unsuccessful cycles of IVF at a London clinic.

But after a single cycle at the clinic, then based in Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield, their first success story was conceived.

Brett, who lives in Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, returned to MFS's clinic in Aldridge, Walsall, to meet some of the staff who treated his parents.

He said: "I've always been aware that I'm the clinic's first success story.

"It's nice that people want to celebrate my birthday, and the clinic's achievement.

"I want to thank everybody at MFS for celebrating my birth, as I'm proud to have been their first baby."

After gaining seven GCSEs at Netherstowe School in Lichfield, Staffordshire, Brett is now studying for his A Levels.

"I'm looking forward to studying product design at either Loughborough or De Montfort University," he added.

Mrs Rigby also gave birth to her daughter Michelle, now 15, following IVF treatment at MFS.

She said: "I can't believe Brett's 18, it's amazing how time slips by.

"I didn't think the treatment had worked at first, so when I was told that I was pregnant I didn't believe it. In fact I didn't believe it was real until Brett was born. I am very proud of him and want to thank all the staff at MFS."

* Brett is pictured with Heidi Birch, director of nursing services, and administrator Donna Rea-Gardner, who were part of the original team that treated his mother Pauline.