PARENTS across East Lancashire were given an extra special present this year.

Seven babies came into the world on December 25, filling the newborn wards of Burnley General Hospital with Christmas Spirit.

At the Women and Newborn Centre, families were visiting their new grandchildren, brothers and sisters for the first time.

Becci Shaw, gave birth to her first born, Luke-Alfie Shaw, just before 2pm on Christmas Day, who weighed 6lbs 13oz.

The 21-year-old, from Accrington, said: "I'm so happy I've got him now.

"I'm one of seven so I've always been used to babies but it's really nice having one of my own.

"I'm really excited and nervous at the same time."

Fatimah Mall, from Blackburn, gave birth to her sixth child at 12.45pm on Christmas Day.

The 43-year-old said: "There's a 12-year age gap between my newborn and my second youngest, and a 21-year gap from my oldest.

"My family have been round and there all happy.

"I'm not nervous anymore, you get used to this after you've had six."

There were also seven births in East Lancashire last Christmas Day, lower than the average born on that day.

In 2016 there were 25 babies born on Christmas Day.

Natasha Manley, 26, from Burnley, gave birth to her baby daughter, who weighed 7lbs 6oz, on Boxing Day at 8am.

She said: "She was due a week ago so we're pleased she's finally decided to come to us.

"We're really happy, it's such an amazing feeling having a little one."

Her partner, Josh Livesey, 29, said: "My baby daughter is beautiful.

"We haven't decided on a name just yet, but there's some ideas floating around."

Henna Mohyuddin, a midwife at the hospital, said: "We're really happy for all the new parents.

"It's exciting for your child to be born on Christmas Day.

"It always makes Christmas extra-special for the parents and staff.

"All the staff would like to wish parents a merry Christmas and a happy new year."

No babies were born at the Blackburn Birthing Centre this year.