THE family of a 17-month-old-baby killed by his child-minder are celebrating the birth of a baby boy.

Joshua Massey Hodgkinson's parents say their new son, Charlie George, is a Godsend.' Proud mum and dad Simon Hodgkinson and Emma Massey have also moved house - and they say things are looking positive.

Joshua died at the Sabden home of Wendy Barlow in April 2004. A court later heard how she had been drunk at the time.

Barlow was sentenced to three years in prison for manslaughter last year, and his family have since campaigned in his memory for changes to the law regarding the registration of childminders.

Emma, 26, said Charlie George was "an absolute Godsend. He's just brilliant. We couldn't be happier with him. He is really good and sleeps all the time.

"We were over the moon when we found out, it has just been a long nine months! It has been manic but it's a new start. A new house and a new baby - everything looks positive."

Charlie was born at Royal Blackburn Hospital on Wednesday, August 16.

His birth was tinged with sadness for the couple as his grandfather, Peter Hodgkinson, 65, died on August 26 from cancer.

Mr Hodgkinson, formerly landlord of the Brown Cow in Chatburn, passed away in a Lake District hospice. He had the chance to see Charlie before his death.

Simon and Emma, who have moved from St Paul's Road, Clitheroe, to Seedall Avenue in the town, have received lots of support from across the country, from politicians and from parents.

The family have also set up a website, www.justiceforjoshua.co.uk which makes available more information and a petition.

Emma said: "We have already taken Charlie to the cemetery and he will be told what happened to Josh when he is old enough.

"We have had lots of support. All the MPs from round here backed the campaign and we've had support from all over. We've had a couple of people that contacted the website to tell us about problems they have had too. That was really nice.

"It was Josh's fourth birthday on Tuesday, September 5 so that was a hard time. But everyone is just putting their efforts into Charlie. We talk about Josh all the time."

Emma's mother, Cathy, added: "It's absolutely wonderful. It's wonderful, but he should have a big brother, that is the hardest thing.

"Out of every bad situation you have got to find something positive. Although Josh was with us 17 months he has touched so many lives.

"He was a really, really important little boy and that is a real achievement."

Nigel Evans, Ribble Valley MP, who has supported the campaign, said: "It is lovely news that the family have had another child. Nothing will ever bring back Joshua, but I hope that the family find only happiness from their new addition."