BABIES made their first appearance in the world as celebrations broke out to mark New Year’s Day.

Five boys and one girl were delivered at Colchester General Hospital yesterday.

One of the newmums was relieved her fourth child was born on New Year’s Day rather than Christmas Day as originally expected.

Jane Woods, 41, of Church Hill, Ramsey, gave birth to a baby girl weighing 8lb 1oz at 3.10am.

Ms Woods said: “I didn’t want Christmas Day as a birthday. I was quite happy with January 1.

“It is a nice easy one for my other half to remember.

“We were putting bets on in the family and several people had the first.”

Ms Woods and her partner Robin Steward are hoping their other children George, 13, Cerys, eight, and Max, four, will help look after their new baby sister who has not been named yet.

She said: “I don’t think one more will make such a difference. I will have a lot of help from the older ones.”

The couple arrived at Colchester Hospital at about 2am and had the baby just over an hour later.

She said: “It was short and sharp. We’re all fine, we’re just a bit tired.”

Jess Dunn, 19, from Stanway, faced several complications during the birth of her son, Alfie Newman, who was born just before 4am weighi n g 8lb 13oz.

The birth was not as simple as Jess and her partner Dale Newman had hoped and Alfie was delivered by emergency caesarean section.

Gazette:

Jess said: “It was quite traumatic, but I feel fine now. I’m just a little bit tired.

“Alfie has been great.”

Stacie Winter and boyfriend Toby Moyce became parents for the first time yesterday.

Their baby boy, who is yet to be named, was born at 11.01am weighing 6lb 10oz.

Gazette:

Stacie, 22, from Colchester, said: “I wasn’t expecting him today. I feel shocked.

“It feels pretty special that he was born on New Year’s Day. It is a nice way to start the year.

“It’s just good to know he is here safe. We’re happy and really excited.”