The woman who was the world's first test tube baby said today it was "fantastic" that a British scientist who helped bring her into the world had been awarded the Nobel Prize for medicine.

Cambridge physiologist Professor Robert Edwards developed IVF treatment with Patrick Steptoe, a gynaecologic surgeon, who died in 1988.

The technology which the pair developed, in which egg cells are fertilised outside the body and implanted in the womb, led to the birth of Louise Brown in 1978.

She said today: "It's fantastic news; me and mum (Lesley) are so glad that one of the pioneers of IVF has been given the recognition he deserves.

"We hold Bob in great affection and are delighted to send our personal congratulations to him and his family at this time."

A spokeswoman for Prof Edwards, 85, said he was not well enough to give interviews.

His wife Ruth, and the family, issued a statement which said: "The family are thrilled and delighted that Professor Edwards has been awarded the Nobel Prize for medicine for the development of IVF.

"The success of this research has touched the lives of millions of people worldwide.

"His dedication and single-minded determination despite opposition from many quarters has led to successful application of his pioneering research."

Mike Macnamee, chief executive of Bourn Hall, near Cambridge, the IVF clinic which Prof Edwards founded, said: "Bob Edwards is one of our greatest scientists. His inspirational work in the early '60s led to a breakthrough that has enhanced the lives of millions of people worldwide.

"Bob Edwards is held in great affection by everyone that has worked with him and was treated by him. I am really pleased that my great mentor, colleague and friend has been recognised in this way."

Prof Edwards has said: "The most important thing in life is having a child. Nothing is more special than a child."

One of his proudest moments was discovering that 1,000 IVF babies had been born at Bourn Hall since Louise Brown.

Professor Basil Tarlatzis, immediate past president of the International Federation of Fertility Societies, said: "This is a well-deserved honour. IVF has opened new avenues of hope for millions of couples throughout the world.

"It has also had an immense impact on our understanding of medicine, leading directly to such developments as stem cell research, and many other fields.

"Edwards and Steptoe were real pioneers, and the award of the Nobel Prize honours not just their work, but the whole field of reproductive science."

Dr Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in andrology (male reproduction) at the University of Sheffield, told the Press Association: "This is excellent news, long long overdue.

"I think he could have been more highly honoured in this country, and I am delighted that the Nobel community have recognised his work. I am only sad that his failing health probably means he won't be able fully to appreciate it.

"He revolutionised the treatment of infertility, and he did so at a time when people were against him, and he wasn't really getting a lot of support.

"He shaped the profession long after he invented IVF - a great man, a big brain, a visionary."

Dr Gillian Lockwood, medical director of Midland Fertility Services, said: "This is wonderful. He should have got it at least 20 years ago. It was always a source of concern and distress to the IVF community that someone they saw as an outstanding pioneer had not been sufficiently recognised.

"It's unfortunate that his health is not as good now for him to enjoy it as well as he might have done.

"The award recognises not only his pioneering spirit but the strength of character that he and Steptoe had to show, because the medical community was very resistant to the idea of IVF.

"That was the reason that it ended up in the private sector, which was not where they wanted it to be.

"There are now something like three million babies and young people worldwide who owe their life to their creative vision. It is increasingly being seen as an effective and safe way of helping childless couples."

Martin Johnson, Professor of Reproductive Sciences at the University of Cambridge, said: "I am absolutely delighted. This is long overdue. We nominated him for the Lasker award 10 years ago and he got it immediately so we couldn't understand why the Nobel has come so late but he is delighted - this is the cherry on the cake for him.

"Bob's work has always been controversial but he has never shrunk from confronting that controversy.

"He was a real visionary, and always ahead of his time on so many issues.

"He is also an amazing human being - warm and generous."

Professor Lisa Jardine, chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, said: "His was a towering achievement, and the prize comes as a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional contribution to reproductive medicine.

"Many thousands of families have benefited directly from IVF, which has reshaped the world in which we live."

Martin Rees, president of the Royal Society, said: "The work of Professor Edwards exemplifies the ethos of the Royal Society, the UK's national academy of science, and of scientists everywhere - applying visionary, extraordinary research to change the lives of people all over the world.

"The Royal Society is delighted to congratulate him as he joins the numerous other Fellows of the Society to receive this remarkable accolade."