New Year's Day was full of surprises for Vanessa Holloway who gave birth to 2015’s first baby born at Watford General Hospital.

Florence had been expected on Christmas Eve but put in her appearance on January 1 instead.

Proud mum Vanessa said: "It is special having a child on New Year's Day but having a child is a special day whatever day of the year it is. I am just delighted everything is fine and everyone has taken great care of us. My midwife had a premonition she would deliver the first baby for 2015 and she was right. She provided us with a fantastic, first class service."

Midwives, doctors and maternity staff at Watford, Hemel Hempstead and St Albans hospitals welcomed a total of 12 babies to the world this New Year's Day.

This included seven boys and five girls born at born at Watford hospital.

Tracey Carter, chief nurse, said: "It was a very busy day for everyone on Thursday and we are absolutely delighted to have helped bring 12 very special people into the world on New Year's Day.

"Having a baby is always a very special occasion for parents and their loved ones, and it's always an honour to be involved in their care and delivery. But welcoming a new addition to the family on New Year's Day is a very special way of kicking off the year.

"We would like to say a huge congratulations to all the families."