THEY may be four generations and almost a century apart, but a Christmas Day birthday is the special bond shared by a Darlington newborn and his great grandfather.

George Welburn’s granddaughter Laura gave birth to Harry at Darlington Memorial Hospital just before 9pm on Christmas Day and George said his arrival was his best Christmas present ever.

George, who was born on Darlington’s Cobden Street on Christmas Day 91-years-ago, said he had a feeling his great grandson would share his birthday and was delighted when his wish came true.

“No doubt about it, it is the best Christmas present ever,” he said.

“Now we have one in the family from Christmas Day 1923 and another one from Christmas Day 2014, it’s incredible really.

“I had a feeling he would come on Christmas Day, I kept telling everyone that he would.”

Harry was expected on Christmas Eve but Laura did not go into labour until early Christmas morning.

George waited anxiously by the telephone all day and was delighted that Harry was born healthy and before the most special day of the year turned into Boxing Day.

George said: “He will never be at school on his birthday, he will never have to work on his birthday and he will always get cards wishing him many happy returns, a merry Christmas and a happy New Year all at once.”

Laura, who also has a six-year-old son Alfie with her partner Dale Carlin, said Harry’s arrival was extra special for George who was facing his first Christmas without his beloved wife of 70-years, Dorothy, who died in March.

Laura said: “It was the first Christmas without Nanna but he said it was the best Christmas he has ever had because of Harry; no one has ever seen him react like this to anything.”

George added: “I wish my wife could be here to see this; we would have gone for a dance.”

Despite having to spend Christmas Day in hospital, Laura said she would not have wished for anything different and was delighted that her son’s arrival meant so much to the family.

She has also given Harry the middle name of George in her great granddad’s honour.

George, who worked as an engineer at Cleveland Bridge for 51-years, says he hopes to see plenty of his great grandson in the New Year, adding that his family is the most important thing in his life.