MACCA SEES BABBA

TIRED but happy, proud Sir Paul McCartney beamed with delight yesterday after a bedside vigil over his new grandson.

His wife Heather was at the wheel as they drove from London's Portland Hospital after visiting his daughter Stella and her baby, who needed emergency treatment after he was born on Friday.

Baby weighed in several weeks early at 7lb 7oz at private hospital in north London. But he developed breathing problems and was taken to the special care baby unit at the Portland, where he was believed to be making a full recovery last night.

Sir Paul, 62, rushed to the hospital on Friday for his vigil, then returned yesterday for a more relaxed hour-long visit accompanied by Heather.

A friend of fashion designer Stella, 33, said: "Stella is so very, very proud. It was a bit worrying on Friday night when she and baby had to switch hospitals - but everything seems to be fine now."

Sir Paul and Heather refused to comment as they left the hospital yesterday. But an onlooker said: "They looked thrilled to bits." Stella's showbiz pals, Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna, had sent their congratulations and flowers.

It is 33-year-old Stella's first child. She married publisher Alasdhair Willis in a fairytale wedding on the Scottish Isle of Bute in 2003.

A spokeswoman last night said: "Stella and Alasdhair are both thrilled to bits, and mother and son are healthy and resting."

It is Sir Paul's third grandson - his eldest daughter, Mary, already has two boys - and he himself became a father for the fourth time when Heather had a daughter in 2003.

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