A bumper delivery of Christmas babies

Dozens of babies were brought into the world on Wednesday in West Midlands and Staffordshire hospitals.

And the majority of those either waited until the big day, or came a little early, to ensure December 25 really is the most wonderful time of the year for their families.

There were eight babies born at Walsall Manor Hospital as some parents celebrated their first child.

Rachael and Matthew Butcher had not been expecting a Christmas baby as their son Alfie, who weighed in at 7Ib 14oz, was born a week late.

He arrived at 10.41pm and the couple, of Clarendon Road, Pelsall, were delighted with their first child. Accountant Rachael, aged 27, said: "He was a week late, so it was a surprise to have a Christmas baby."

Deanna Vaughan, of Barleyfield Row, Caldmore, gave birth to her girl Ayesha at just after 8am. The 19 year-old and her restaurant worker partner Habib had been expecting their first child on December 21.

But she arrived at a weight of 7Ib 1oz.

Six Christmas Day babies were born at New Cross Hospital, four boys and two girls, who were delivered from 3.12am.

Rebeka Wedge, 20, from Keats Road, The Scotlands, gave birth to daughter Amelia Dunn at 6.08pm. The child arrived a month early, weighing 5lbs and 5oz.

Little Noah Mehmi was not expected until the New Year but bounced into the world at New Cross Hospital in Wednesfield at 2pm on December 25 weighing 7lbs 10 oz.

Weighing in at 5lbs 6oz, Ruby Hartley arrived three weeks early at 11.07am at Stafford Hospital. Her parents, Laura, 32, and John, 34, who live in Cambridge, had been visiting family in Great Bridgeford for the holidays when the unexpected happened. Mrs Hartley, a solicitor, said: "Ruby's arrival took us all by surprise. I am glad we came to Stafford Hospital because Ruby was breach and I ended up having to have a C-section"

There were seven babies born at Stafford on the day, while there were 12 new arrivals on the maternity ward at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley.

One of the first to make an appearance was little Gracie Isla Davenport weighing 6lbs 3oz, she was born at 3.51am. Her proud parents Jodie Wood, 21, and Gregg Davenport, 26, from Kingswinford said she was 'the best Christmas present' they could ever receive.

Arriving on her due date and just a few minutes later was Evie-Rose Lewis.