IPSWICH Hospital's maternity unit is the busiest in Britain, a new survey has shown today – as new mums proudly hugged the first new babies of 2002.Figures published in the Dr Foster Good Birth Guide reveal Britain's busiest maternity units.

IPSWICH Hospital's maternity unit is the busiest in Britain, a new survey has shown today – as new mums proudly hugged the first new babies of 2002.

Figures published in the Dr Foster Good Birth Guide reveal Britain's busiest maternity units.

Ipswich Hospital is one of three with 1.3 births per day for each delivery bed in the unit. This compares with a national average of 0.76 births per day for each hospital delivery bed.

The unit was as busy as ever over the New Year, with four babies born in the early hours of yesterday. Their tired but proud mothers joyously hugged them on the Brook and Deben maternity wards.

The first baby of 2002 was Thomas Paul Pinner, who arrived at 2.20am weighing 8lb and 1oz. He is a son for Melanie and Neil Pinner, of Farriers Went, Felixstowe, a brother for Charlotte, two-and-a-half.

Mrs Pinner said: "He is just so lovely. My husband chose the name Thomas and then my father, who passed away in 2000, was called Paul, and that is why we chose his name."

Janine Edwards, of Cage Lane, Felixstowe, gave birth to a girl at 3.43am weighing 7lb 15oz. The girls' name was still up for discussion and Ms Edwards said: "I think I would have been disappointed if she had come on December 31."

Thirteen minutes later and Shaheed Sharminn, of Shaftesbury Square, Ipswich, gave birth to a girl called Thahmina. The name means a "lucky person" and the family were delighted with the birth.

Thahmina arrived two weeks early and weighed 6lb 7oz. She is a sister for Samiha, one-and-a-half.

Arriving in time for breakfast was Ruby White, whose parents Helen and David live in Kesgrave. She weighed 8lb 12ozs and was born at 7.35am.