BLACKPOOL Victoria Hospital maternity unit helped a total of three bouncing babies into the world on New Year's Day, but only one made an early appearance.

The first baby of 2001 was born on New Year's Day around 9.30am, a girl, who weighed 7lb and 14oz. Mother Dinah King from Blackpool returned home later that day.

The second baby was born at 6pm. Jon Michael Brocklehurst, pictured here, weighed in at 5lb 14oz and mum and dad Kerry Harrison and Mark Brocklehurst said they were looking forward to introducing Jon to siblings Ashley and Connor at home in St Helier's Road, South Shore.

The third child to be born was Lauren Isabelle Gilderdale, who arrived at 6.40pm and weighed 7lb 14oz. Her parents Denise and Ian Gilderdale were happy at the new addition to the family, which already consists of Stephanie, Daniel and Thomas. Lauren joined her new family when she was taken home to Elmside Close, Thornton, on January 2.