FOUR sets of parents got extra special presents this Christmas.

Four babies were born on the maternity ward in Darlington Memorial Hospital, on Christmas morning.

The first baby to be born was Rosie Redmond, at 4.40am, who weighed 6lb 13oz.

She is the first child for Philip Redmond and Karen Brown, from Barnard Castle.

Mr Redmond said: "She was due on Boxing Day, so she came a little early, but it was a nice surprise though. We're absolutely delighted."

The next baby to be born was Keira Mann at 7.40am, who weighed 6lb 9oz.

She was a surprise Christmas present for parents Julie Mann, from Darlington, and Craig Stothard, from Durham, as she was not due until December 30.

Ms Mann said: "It was a very quick labour, I only just made it into the hospital.

"I didn't even make it upstairs to the maternity ward and ended up having the baby downstairs.

We're both doing well though."

Hayden Thompson was born to parents Charlotte Harrison and Lee Thompson, from Shildon, County Durham, at 9.07am. Hayden weighed 8lb 11oz.

Hayden is their second child and has a sister, Casey, aged twoand- a-half.

Mr Thompson said: "She was due on Christmas day, so arrived on time.

"It was definitely a different Christmas experience having a baby on Christmas Day."

Kenzie Rhys Walker was born at 9.23am weighing 7lb 2oz to parents Lyndsay Walker, from Gainford, County Durham, and Paul Hutchinson, from Aycliffe.

Kenzie is their first child.

Mr Hutchinson said: "Kenzie was due on the 21st, so arrived a bit late, but we're both absolutely delighted."

Gillian Lodge, the senior midwife on the maternity ward, said: "It's been a lovely shift, we've really enjoyed it."