IPSWICH: Little Kayden will only celebrate his official birthday once every four years after being among the first in the county to arrive on a leap day.

Kayden Cook came into the world at Ipswich Hospital at 2.15am yesterday, nine days before he was due. Weighing 6lbs 8oz, he is the first child for mum Kayleigh Scutcher and dad Daniel Cook, from the Belstead area of Ipswich.

Up until the Star went to press, there were six babies born at the Heath Road hospital, including a set of twins.

Ms Scutcher, 23, went into labour at about 9.20pm on Tuesday but it only dawned on her some time after Kayden was born that it was a leap day.

She said: “We have been trying to decide what day to celebrate his birthday on –either February 28 or March 1. We have decided to go with February 28 as his birth was nearer that date and it means he can have a birthday every year.

“When it’s a leap year, he’ll get two birthdays and we will make it extra special.”

A spokesman for the maternity team said: “On an average day we have between eight and 12 babies born.

“We have had a couple of mothers saying they were hoping to avoid this date.”

n Did you give birth yesterday and want to tell us your special story? Call the newsdesk on 01473 324788 or you can send an e-mail to starnews@archant.co.uk