Baby number 13 for Britain's oldest father

Britain's oldest father of twins has become a dad for the 13th time - at 72.

Richard Roden and 26-year-old wife Lisa, of Brownhills, welcomed baby Madison into the world as Mr Roden said: "I wouldn't change my life for the world."

The retired welder of Peake Crescent said he would have liked more children and wanted to try for another son.

But the couple have decided that Mrs Roden should be sterilised, as they are already counting the cost of having four young children in the house.

In 2009, Mr Roden made it into the record books when his wife gave birth to Ruby and Emily, making him the country's oldest father of twins.

Mr Roden, who turns 73 on Wednesday, said: "Madison is absolutely beautiful. All my girls are, and I love them to bits. They are beautiful and they make my life what it is. Yes, they can be hard work, but I love it."

Mr Roden said he shrugs off comments from people who point out that by the time Madison is at secondary school, he will be in his 80s. "I just take no notice of people who criticise us," he said.

"My dad died when I was two years old — there's nothing you can do about it.

"People die at all sorts of ages. I just try to be a good dad to them now."

Mr Roden has 10 other children from two previous marriages. Two sons and four daughters from his first marriage no longer speak to their father since his relationship with Lisa began.

The other children live nearby and, says Mr Roden, are very fond of his youngest daughters.

Mr Roden met his wife six years ago while studying at an adult education college. Mrs Roden, who already has a nine-year-old daughter Bethany, said: "I feel the same now as when we first got together. We're still madly in love with each other. Richard is a wonderful father, and I don't listen to people who make comments about his age.

"I decided to get sterilised because I knew Richard would want more children and I think four young girls in one house is enough. We already struggle to buy a uniform for Bethany and other things around the house."