THERE was double delight for sisters Laura and Danielle Edwards when they both gave birth in the space of 40 minutes in the same maternity unit.

They knew their babies were due in the same month.

But they were astonished to find themselves in labour at the same time in nearby rooms at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Danielle, aged 22, went into the hospital at 8am on Friday after going into labour 10 days after her due date.

Her first child, Harley Harrison, arrived at 11.02pm after a long labour, weighing 7lbs 10oz.

Laura's fourth child, Logan Williamson-Edwards, arrived 36 minutes later and four ounces heavier.

"Laura came into my room with baby Logan afterwards and it was really emotional. It was lovely but I couldn't believe it," said Danielle.

Laura, aged 28, arrived at the hospital to be induced an hour after Danielle was admitted. Her baby was six days late. Laura had been due to be induced at 9am but the procedure was put back until 8.45pm because several emergency cases arose.

She said: "We are a close family anyway but this will make us even closer.

"I think it's lovely because the children will be able to share special occasions like their 18ths and 21sts."

Both sisters and their babies were allowed home to Farnworth on Saturday.

Proud parents Dave and Rose Edwards, who now have seven grandchildren, and sister Emma were all at the hospital to support Laura and Danielle.

Mr Edwards, of Redcar Road, Little Lever, said: "We kept going between them and spending time with each.

"They were only a few rooms apart."

They are not the only family members to share a birthday. Rose, her sister Debra and mother Mary, were all born on February 2.

Mr Edwards said: "The nurses said it was unusual for two sisters to give birth on the same day."