NEWBORN bundles of joy were welcomed to the world on the first day of the new year at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Heather James, aged 24, and Tom Johnson-Hosker, 26, from Redditch welcomed their first child together at 1.41am.

Baby Scarlett was born weighing 7.9 lbs, however she came slightly early as she was due on January 4.

Speaking to the Worcester News on New Year’s Day, Heather said: “Giving birth was not as bad as I thought. I prepared myself for the worse.

“The contractions were the worst bit because I was having them for so long throughout the day. I was trying to go as long as possible without pain relief.

"I had an epidural which I was against at first, but once I had it, it was the best thing I could have done. It really was amazing."

Heather and Tom are thrilled as it was their biggest wish to have a baby girl.

Tom added: “It is a really amazing feeling to be a father. It is so overwhelming, there is no other feeling like it.

“Heather did really well, I am so proud of her. We are so happy we have a little girl.

“All the staff at the hospital are all in such a good mood considering they are working New Years Day. They all work very hard here.”

Hannah, 28, and her husband Matthew Stockford, aged 33, from Ombersley, will be bringing home their first newborn.

Matthew added: “We like to host parties in our house, so we can have a New Year’s Eve party every year then countdown to her birthday.

"It will be the birthday bash on the year!

“This is the best start to the new year I have ever had.”

The couple’s baby girl, Julia-Lynne, was born at 8.21am, weighing 7 lbs and 8 and a half ounces.

The chosen baby name was inspired by Matthew's mother, Lynne, who the couple were shortly going to announce the good news to.

Hannah said: “Julia-Lynne decided to come a little early to celebrate New Year’s Day with us. She was due on January 7.

“I have had a wonderful experience here. The midwives have been superb. Beck and Aimee saw us in at 3 this morning and have been taking care of me. I would love to give them a huge thank you. They were on the New Year’s Eve shift but stayed over until Julia-Lynne was born.

“The whole experience has gone quick. I did not feel anymore pain than I had expected - she is so worth it.”

Kathy Dewhurst, a midwife at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, said: “It is a wonderful part of the job when the babies have been delivered.

"It is always nice to see Christmas and New Year’s babies – it is so special.”