BOUNCING bundles of joy welcomed the New Year in with a gurgle as the first babies of 2004 arrived in the early hours.

Staff on the maternity wards at Burnley General Hospital reported a busy night as the new arrivals were born.

The New Year brought a special present for Padiham couple Keeley Heselwood and Anthony Brittain, in the shape of baby daughter Paige Darcie.

Keeley, 26, gave birth to 6lb one-and-a-half ounce Paige, the couple's first child, at 4.30am.

Anthony, 28, who works at First Choice Holidays with Keeley, said: "This is an absolutely wonderful start to the New Year and we couldn't have asked for anything more perfect than Paige."

The new dad, who lives in Loxley Gardens, added: "We had been in the hospital for a couple of days before Paige was born so the New Year celebrations passed us by really, but we have certainly got something to celebrate now. This has made us both so happy."

A total of seven babies were delivered.

Last year the hospital had two babies.