LEIGHTON Hospital welcomed eight extra special presents on Christmas Day, with seven baby boys and a girl born at the hospital’s labour ward.

The first arrival came early on in the day, with 7lb 15oz Asa Cunningham born at 12.58am to Middlewich parents.

Asa was the first of three Middlewich babies, with 7lb 9oz Freddie Harrison born at 2.31pm followed by the only girl of the day, Alexa Ashton, weighing in at 6lb 15oz at 5.42pm.

First time parents Amy Ainsworth and partner Kallum Harrison’s baby boy Freddie was due on December 14.

Amy said: “I went in on Christmas Eve at about 5.30pm, and we were progressing him to come that night but he wanted a late arrival – he wanted to make a big entrance.

“We managed to get home on Boxing Day and had our Christmas then instead. We’ve had lots of visitors since.

“It really makes the day even more special in the future.”

Stacey Ashton and partner Chris later welcomed the only girl of the day – also the couple’s first – with baby Alexa making a surprise appearance almost three weeks ahead of schedule.

Stacey said: “It was a bit of a surprise and quite hectic – we went in at about 8am on Christmas Day and were out at 11pm.

“It’s a bit chaotic because we weren’t expecting her so soon – she wasn’t due until January 7. We had all these plans but hadn’t quite got round to them.

“We are having our Christmas Day on New Year’s Day instead.”

Three Crewe boys were also born, as well as one each from Alsager and Sandbach.

Midwife Sarah Chell, who worked on Christmas Day, said: “It was a lovely atmosphere, and we had quite a busy day.

“I have been in the NHS for a long time and it’s part and parcel of the job. We make the best of it – we all get on really well and we have a great team here.”