THE first Bolton baby of 2014 was born four minutes after midnight on New Year’s Day.

Little Ewan Hupton was the first to arrive at the Princess Anne Maternity Unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital yesterday, weighing 5lb 14oz.

And there had already been 15 babies born by noon.

Rebecca Ogden gave birth to Bella-Rose Holden, who weighed 7lb 7oz, at 1.29am.

Mother-of-two Miss Ogden, aged 28, from Breightmet, said: “I’m delighted to have a baby on New Year’s Day — I’m over the moon.

“His brother, Harrison, hasn’t seen Bella-Rose yet, but he will be very happy. This has been the best New Year of my life.”

Sarah Devenney gave birth to Hollie-Mae Catherine Barnes at 2.25am. She weighed 9lb and was born nearly two weeks late.

Hollie-Mae was Miss Devenney’s second child.

The 26-year-old, from Halliwell, said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s a weird feeling, because Hollie-Mae was due on December 19, but it’s a huge relief.

“I can’t wait to introduce her to my family and friends.”

Hannah Goley and Lee Sheeran welcomed a baby boy weighing 8lb 10oz who was nearly two weeks late. They are yet to decide on a name for him.

Mother-of-two Miss Goley, aged 23, from Little Hulton, said: “It came as a shock, because I expected him to be here sooner. But I’m very happy to be one of the few people to have a baby on New Year’s Day.

“I can’t wait for the next few months, and for the baby to spend time with his brother.”

This time of year is special, not just to the parents of newly-borns, but also to the staff at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Nicky Etchells, a senior midwife at the unit, said: “It seemed a little bit quiet at first, but it hasn’t stayed like that.

“It’s fantastic to be able to bring new faces into the world. It’s the best Christmas present you can get.

“All the midwives have worked really hard. They feel privileged to help deliver babies at New Year.

“Every birth is special, but it’s an especially great feeling when you deliver babies at this time of year.”