sisters Tracey and Vicky Harrison have always done everything together - but they were stunned when they went into labour at the same time.

Tracey, 24, was due to give birth ten days after sister Vicky, 22, but she had her daughter, Leah, in time to help with the delivery of Vicky's son, Michael.

The same midwife was looking after both sisters, who were in neighbouring rooms at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Both mothers and the young cousins are doing well and the families were celebrating yesterday.

Tracey, of Southwick, Sunderland, said: "The midwife booked both of us in and could not believe she had two sisters in the same state, especially when I was so early.

"I gave birth to Leah and, as I rested, the midwife said 'come with me and bring the baby'.

"I was in a room just down the corridor and there was Vicky. I was rubbing her back, looking after her, and telling her she would be all right.

"Then I went out so she could have the baby with her partner, Michael."

Vicky, of Washington, Tyne and Wear, revealed the sisters had joked about the possibility of delivering on the same day.

Leah weighed 6lb l0oz and Michael was four ounces heavier.

The sisters are preparing for a joint christening.