CHRISTMAS Day proved a record breaker in Suffolk for new babies with twice as many born on the special day as any other year. In total 16 were born in the area - 12 at Ipswich Hospital as well as four home births.

CHRISTMAS Day proved a record breaker in Suffolk for new babies with twice as many born on the special day as any other year.

In total 16 were born in the area - 12 at Ipswich Hospital as well as four home births.

A spokeswoman for Ipswich Hospital said the previous high for a single year was eight Christmas Day births.

She said: “It was unprecedented for us. This Christmas Day was our busiest ever with 12 babies born in the unit and four at home making a total of 16.

“The staff and midwives were absolutely fantastic as it was an exceptionally busy time for them.

“Our chairman Michael Brookes has been to see and thank the staff in person and say congratulations on a great job well done.

“We have looked back over the last five years and the most we have had is eight before this year. We are wondering what New Year's Day is going to be like!”

Among the bundles of joy was a baby for Julie Rampley, 47, and her husband Kevin, 47, of Priestley Road, Needham Market.

The couple had their fourth child, Porscha, who weighed 7lb and 15oz and was born at home.

Julie said: "I have three boys so it's lovely to have a little girl.

"She was due on the 23rd but I was hoping for Christmas Eve because that's my father-in-law's birthday.

"Porscha was born at 12.44am so she was the first Christmas Day baby."

Meanwhile Anna Goodrum, 36, and Martin Waters, 30, of Cedar Walk, Needham Market had their first child, Harry (Waters).

Harry, who weighed 7lb 4oz, was also born at home.

Mr Waters said: "He was due on the 30th - but we're quite happy with a Christmas Day baby.”

Julia Ferguson, 26, and David Ferguson, 35, of Broxtead Close, Sutton Heath, welcomed baby Honey into their family.

She was born at 6.44pm on Christmas Day and weighed 8lb 4oz.

Mrs Ferguson said: “She was due Christmas Eve and I knew there was a chance she would be born Christmas Day but I wasn't expecting it because I didn't have any pains.

“Nobody's going to forget her birthday now!”