THERE was festive cheer all over the York area as people young and old celebrated Christmas Day in style.

Susan Gamble, 36, of Hovingham, was given the present of a lifetime when baby Chloe Maya Gamble arrived at 16 minutes past midnight on Christmas Day.

Mrs Gamble, who works at Housemartins Nursery, in Malton, said she and her husband, Neil, 34, were thrilled with their new arrival, who weighed in at 7lb 2oz at York Hospital.

Mrs Gamble said: "As long as she's here and she's well we don't mind. She is a long-awaited sister for my daughter, Gemma."

Five more Christmas Day babies were born at York Hospital.

At 12.13pm, Danielle Hallam, of York, gave birth to a little boy who weighed in at 8lb 13oz.

At 1.52pm, Helen Reason, of Leeds, gave birth to a little boy, who weighed only 3lb 3.5oz. He was taken to the special care baby unit.

At 2.47pm, baby Eleanor was born to mum Samantha Gray, of York. She weighed in at 9lb 5oz.

At 5.58pm, Victoria Barton, of York, gave birth to baby Ellie. She weighed 3lb 12.5oz and was also taken to the special care baby unit.

At 6.39pm, the last Christmas baby, Charlie, who weighed 8lb 7oz, was born to Julie Sorrell, of York.

The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor David Horton, made his traditional tour of York Hospital, accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, Kathleen Gibson, the Sheriff of York, Councillor Martin Brumby, and the Sheriff's Lady, Annette Brumby.

Young patient Jacob Richardson, four, of Manor Drive South, Acomb, York, was more than happy to show the visiting party his new toys.

The St Paul's Nursery pupil was taken into hospital on Christmas Eve with a serious eye infection which needed intravenous antibiotics.

Mum Jane, 36, dad Stephen, 33, and brother Kieran, ten, were all there to help him open his presents.

Jane said: "He was probably a bit overwhelmed by it all, with so many people around him that he doesn't know.

"He looked happy, though, and next Christmas he'll be asking if he can go to hospital again."

Coun Horton said: "Hospital is not the place you like to be on Christmas Day, but the staff here make it very special and really look after them."

In Gillygate, York, it was smiles all round as the traditional Salvation Army Christmas lunch got under way.

About 70 people, who would otherwise have spent Christmas Day alone, met at the Citadel for a traditional turkey meal, carols and entertainment.

Sonia Smith, 73, of Fulford, said: "I live on my own, so if I come down here I get a bit of company."

Her friend, Patricia Starr, 73, of Cemetery Road, York, said she had enjoyed this tradition for the past five years. She said: "I love coming here, they are all nice people.

"It's nice to come down here and have your dinner and meet other people."

Each guest received a Christmas card specially made by pupils at New Earswick Primary School and the Lord Mayor popped in after his tour of York Hospital.

Major Paul Westlake said: "It's very special for these folks and some of them have been coming here for years."

Updated: 11:46 Friday, December 27, 2002