Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards has come forward to admit that he is the father of a child born to a videographer he hired before his second White House bid. In a statement to The Associated Press, Edwards said the child is is.

The baby was conceived with former campaign worker Rielle Hunter just two months after his wife Elizabeth learned she had incurable cancer in March 2007.

It was also five months after Mr Edwards had sworn to his wife and campaign aides that his affair with the woman was over.

His admission that he was the father of two-year-old Frances Quinn Hunter comes just two weeks before the publication of a book by a former aide.

Andrew Young, who claimed paternity of the child, is due to release a book on Mr Edwards' affair in early February.

He will detail his role in covering up the scandal that is expected to finish the political career of Mr Edwards and produced a wave of sympathy for his wife Elizabeth.

The well-groomed former senator from North Carolina, was among early front-runners in the Democratic field in the race eventually won by Barack Obama.

Yesterday, he said in a statement: "I am Quinn's father. I will do everything in my power to provide her with the love and support she deserves."