AN extraordinary coincidence has given a York family a triple celebration with three generations of the same family celebrating their birthday on the same date.

Baby William Theo was born on October 26, the same date as his mother, Sarah Rebeiro, 36, and grandmother, Mary Todd, 66.

Sarah, of Carrs Meadow, Escrick, said she could not have been more shocked that William arrived on his mum's and grandma's birthday. Sarah's other children Benjamin, 12, and Oliver, eight, were a week late and Luke, 11, was two weeks early.

She said: "He was due on that day, but I have three other children, and none of them have come on their due date so I never for a minute thought he would come."

Despite the fact that October is now going to be an expensive month for presents, the family is delighted at the happy coincidence.

"My mother could not believe it. I think all along her and my dad were hoping that he would come on that date."

William is doing well and Sarah paid tribute to the "wonderful" staff at York Hospital.

Updated: 10:37 Tuesday, November 04, 2003