TWIN girls who spent the first ten weeks of their young lives in hospital after being born prematurely celebrate their first birthdays today (Fri Feb 20).

A year has elapsed since Lucy and Grace Mann came into the world 12 weeks early after their mum Stephanie Holmes underwent an emergency caesarean at Fairfield Hospital, Bury.

Lucy weighed in at only 1 lb 6 ozs while twin sister Grace was significantly heavier at 2 lbs 11 ozs. Proud mum Stephanie (25) was forced to give birth early when doctors discovered much of the nourishment in her womb was going to just Grace to the detriment of her twin sister.

Stephanie, of Annie Street, Ramsbottom, who lives with her partner and the twins' father Alex Mann (26), recalled: "The girls were born 12 weeks prematurely and were quite poorly at the time. One was twice the size of the other They stayed in hospital for ten weeks. At the time, it was very upsetting. But the hospital staff were absolutely brilliant."

Today, Lucy weighs 14 lbs, six pounds lighter than Grace. "But Lucy is very active and is actually walking now, holding on to furniture. But she still has to catch up as far as her weight is concerned."

Dad Alex Mann is pictured holding daughter Lucy and partner Stephanie Holmes cradles Grace.

Added Stephanie: "Both girls still go back regularly to Fairfield Hospital for check-ups. Their weights are still under what they should be for one-year-olds, especially Lucy's. But, hopefully, they will both reach normal weight over time. I've been advised to give Lucy snacks as well as meals."

She and Alex are delighted with the progress their daughters have made in the past year. "The fact that they are celebrating their first birthday is absolutely brilliant. We are all so pleased, given how difficult things have been," said the proud mum.