Siamese twins stun doctors

Siamese twins Natasha and Courtney Smith have been transferred from intensive care into a normal baby ward.

The 17-day-old sisters, who share a heart, are said to be making progress at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

But the twins' improving health could mean a further dilemma for parents Tina May and Dennis Smith.

Doctors have said they will operate if the girls grow strong enough but separating them will inevitably mean death for Courtney, the weaker of the two.

"Every day has been a rollercoaster of emotion," said Tina, 23, of St Albans,Hertfordshire.

She told The Sun: "Everyone is stunned at how well the girls are doing. It is fantastic to see them on a normal ward surrounded by other children. We knew doctors were pleased with their progress, but we never imagined they'd be out of intensive care so soon."

Tina fed her daughters with a bottle for the first time yesterday and the twins also had their first bath. Tina said: "I thought they might cry but they loved the water and did not utter a sound. It was another amazing step forward for them.

"There are good days and bad days. But we are constantly uplifted by knowing the girls are rewarding our decision to give them a chance by fighting hard to stay alive."