THE New Year has got off to a happy start for several Worcestershire families who welcomed new babies on the first day of the year.

First to enter the world at Worcestershire Royal Hospital was Reece Yap, the second son of Ray and Natalie Yap and a new playmate for five-year-old Ryan.

Reece weighed in at 6lbs 15oz at 37 minutes past midnight and was a week early.

"It's lovely to have him here and his big brother is excited to see him. I'm looking forward to taking him home," said Mrs Yap, who lives in Malvern.

Also welcoming a second son was Sarah Wills and her partner, Brian Bourne, from Kidderminster who gave birth to an 8lb baby boy at 6.04am.

"We haven't yet fully decided on a name. Our other children are three year-old Tilly and 18-month-old Teddy. We both like the names Freddy and Timmy but are not sure yet. I keep looking at him and wondering which will suit him best. Hopefully he'll be as content as his bigger brother. Tilly can't wait to see him. He was due on Boxing Day so he has kept us waiting a bit. When he did decide to come it was very quick and he arrived before I got to the bed. I still can't believe he's here. I was going to be induced on Monday if he hadn't come so I am pleased I avoided that."

It had been a steady night for the midwives at the hospital with eight babies born between midnight and 9am; three boys and five girls.

Matron Rachel Carter said staff were always excited to help bring new arrivals into the world on special dates.

"All babies are special but it is extra special to have them at Christmas and New Year and all the midwives enjoy working on these dates. There is always a bit of friendly competition too between the main suite and the new Meadow Birth Centre and this year the main suite welcomed the first baby of the New Year," she said.