PROUD parents have welcomed their new babies to the world on Christmas Day.

The first baby born at the University Hospital of North Tees was Luca Stephen Christopher Riley.

New parents Amy Caffrey and Thomas Riley, from Yarm, welcomed Luca to the world.

He was born at 8.24am and weighed  7lb 11 oz.

His parents were presented with a candle as a gift from Stockton Borough Council.

The Northern Echo:

The Christmas candle was one of 11 handed out over the festive period.

The other ten were given to members of the community, presented by ten primary schools in the borough on Christmas Eve.

The first baby born at the University Hospital of North Durham was Jesse Armitage.

Parents Brianna James and Cameron Armitage welcomed him into the world at 1.30am, weighing 7lb 14oz.