Viagra, the impotence drug, has kept alive a baby born with a huge hole in her diaphragm.

Baby Sharice Dunnon nearly died after sucking her stomach into her lungs after taking her first breath.

Parents William Dunnon, 31, and Annmarie Massey, 22, of Kilmarnock were told that baby Sharice had only a 50% chance of survival.

That was eight months ago, but now after life saving surgery Sharice is enjoying a normal lifestyle thanks to the use of erectile dysfunction drug Viagra, which is regulating her heart.

Viagra's current use to treat male impotence was discovered as a side effect, as the drug was originally designed to treat angina.

Commenting on toddler Sharice, mum Annmarie said:

"Looking at her now you wouldn't know there is anything wrong. She's constantly smiling."

And William added: "I was told when I was 16 I'd never have children, so Sharice was a miracle for us. Now she's a double miracle."

However parents Annmarie and William are unhappy at the fact that the potential problems weren't spotted sooner at Crosshouse Hospital, where baby Sharice was born.

They claim that doctors at the hospital had told them that the pregnancy was normal and there were no problems.

A spokeswoman for NHS Ayrshire and Arran declined to comment specifically on the case, adding " If anyone is unhappy with the care they or a relative has received we would urge them to contact us."

Viagra Cialis and Levitra are prescription medications used to treat Erectile Dysfunction