TWIN girls born 12 weeks prematurely were celebrating their first birthday today.

Worcester mum Diane Hitchings had to be taken to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham to give birth by emergency Caesarean to Rachel Lucy and Rebecca Amy.

She suffered from pre-eclampsia, which put her and her babies' lives at risk.

The rare condition causes high blood pressure, excess protein in the urine and often a reduction in the function of the placenta, putting the foetuses at risk.

In rare cases it can develop into life-threatening eclampsia, which can cause the pregnant woman fits and kidney failure.

The girls were kept in incubators at Nottingham for 12 days before being transferred to Worcester's Ronkswood Hospital, where they stayed until February.

Celebrating

"They were so tiny," said Mrs Hitchings, of Purleigh Avenue, Warndon Villages. "We're very, very lucky to have them."

Dad Darren added: "When the twins were born, we didn't announce it in the newspapers because we didn't know if they'd be all right. But they're doing great."

The couple had been expecting twins, but they were convinced they would be boys.

When Rachel and Rebecca arrived - weighing in at 1lb 14oz and 2lbs 2oz respectively - it came as a shock.

They had already decided to call a girl Rebecca Rachel, so they divided the name in two.

Now the family is celebrating the big day by inviting friends to a party, as well as preparing for the girls' first Christmas at home.

"We just want to thank all the staff at Ronkswood and Queen's for all the help," said Mrs Hitchings.