NEW Year was extra special for parents who welcomed a new arrival as the first day of 2017 proved a bumper one for babies.

Midwives and other staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester were reporting a higher than usual number of births in the early hours of New Year's Day.

There were 10 births at the hospital between midnight and 11am which a staff member said was 'high'.

Ordinarily staff can expect to deliver between 10 and 25 babies per day at the hospital.

Leila Upton, aged 32, and Darren Waters, aged 33, of the Lyppards in Warndon Villages, Worcester welcomed their first child together at 3.13am.

He was born three weeks early, perhaps appropriate considering little Ronnie was named after snooker legend Ronnie 'The Rocket' O'Sullivan who is known for his lightening fast cue action.

The name was also a nod to Miss Upton's brother who is nicknamed 'Reggie' who was one half of the Kray twins, Ronnie being the other.

Ronnie weighed in at 6lbs and 1 ounce and had been due to arrive on January 22 so neither of them were expecting he would be a New Year baby.

The couple both have daughters from previous relationships but this is their first child together and the first son for both of them.

Dad Darren said: "I'm over the moon. He's the first boy of our family."

Another happy couple were Marek Stolarczyk, 35, and wife Anna, 28, who welcomed their son Igor to the family.

The couple are originally from Poland but now live in Evesham. Igor is their first child and was born at 5.30am on New Year's Day after a one and a half hour labour. He weighed 7.5lbs.

Mr Stolarczyk said: "I'm happy and excited. It is probably the happiest day of my life."

Mrs Stolarczyk said: "I feel the same - happy and excited but also tired."

The baby was due on January 2 so the couple said they were not expecting him to come this early.