Laura Barnes was the daughter of Natalie Barnes and love rat Vinny Sorrell who ran off with her sister Debs Brownlow. She was born in the Cotswolds following Natalie's move from Coronation Street.
After her birth, Natalie telephoned the Rovers to inform Geena Gregory of her successful delivery weighing 9lb 3oz. Having heard the news, Natalie's former flame Kevin Webster paid mother and daughter a visit, much to the annoyance of his wife Sally - whose marriage had been ruined by Natalie's interference, Upon his return, Kevin announced that he had been named godfather and shared pictures of Laura with his neighbours. Sally was concerned that Kevin would be hurt by Natalie again and suggested she was just using him.