NEW Year's Day will always be that bit more special for a York mum and dad after the birth of their baby girl.

A busy maternity ward in York District Hospital saw four babies arrive in just over five hours, with another three coming along later during the day.

The first New Year baby was Jennifer Anne Hutchinson, who arrived at 5.22am.

Parents Susan Hutchinson and Stuart Debenham, of Shipton Road, who have a son, Thomas, said Jennifer had been due on January 12, but "decided she was ready to come out a few days early".

Susan said: "What a brilliant New Year present she is. We are all thrilled to bits with her.

"New babies and a New Year - they both seem to go so well together and the atmosphere in here has been lovely."

Hospital midwife co-ordinator Sister Jane Potter said: "It has been a good shift to work, relaxed, laid back and chilled.

"It's nice for the parents. It must make their year even though it's just starting, and all the staff enjoy the atmosphere."

At 9.30pm yesterday, York mum Edwina Longhorn gave birth to a baby girl, who is yet to be named.

And the last New Year 2002 baby was born at 11.30pm, when another girl was born.

Updated: 10:48 Wednesday, January 02, 2002