A COUPLE had a Christmas present they are never likely to forget - the birth of twin boys.

The tiny babies are an extra special miracle for their mother and father after years of heartache and IVF treatment.

Despite their size and early arrival, the premature twins, Oliver James and George Edward, are doing well while being monitored in special care baby units 16 miles apart.

The boys were born seven weeks early after a six-hour labour at Hartlepool General Hospital to Susan Capes, 34, and John Chapman, 37.

Within minutes of their arrival, George was whisked off to a neonatal unit at the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton, because of a shortage of incubators at Hartlepool.

First-time mother Susan, a singing teacher from Norton, near Stockton, said: "We were warned that with them being twins they could arrive around the 34th week, but it's still been a bit of a shock.

"I'm feeling extremely tired and dazed, and I've lost all track of time, but they are both absolutely gorgeous.

"I called them their names because Oliver is my favourite musical and George is a strong name which makes me think of kings. He's a fighter, and he needs to be."

Oliver James was born at 1.13am, his brother George Edward arrived 13 minutes later.

Weighing only 4lb5oz and 3lb 12oz respectively, the twins need to be monitored in hospital until they gain weight and begin feeding properly.

Mr Chapman, said: "They are two little Christmas miracles. It's a bit upsetting that they aren't together but all being well this is the only year they will have to spend Christmas apart."

A North Tees University Hospital special care baby unit nurse said: "We are quite happy with George's progress overnight.

"His dad has been in to see him and has now gone back to mum and George's brother in Hartlepool hospital.

"He's doing well and is progressing very nicely."

Proud mother Julie Best, from Peterlee, gave birth to a son, Matthew, weighing 7lb 13oz at the University Hospital of North Tees on Christmas Day.

At Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital it was a busy day with ten babies being born, the first at 0.42am.

Eight of the births were little boys.