There must be something in the air at Elvington primary school.

Teachers Sarah Carlisle, left, and Alison Hanham, cuddle babies Phoebe and Christopher.

Teachers Sarah Carlisle and Alison Hanham made sure 1999 would be a year to remember when they both gave birth to bouncing New Year's Day babies within hours of each other at York District Hospital.

And not content with working together all day, they shared neighbouring beds in the hospital's maternity wing once little Phoebe

Elizabeth Carlisle and Christopher Howard Hanham arrived - both a day early.

Elvington headteacher Jenny Smith said the whole school was "absolutely thrilled" for the popular teachers. But it could mean the school being a little short-staffed for a while - especially as lunchtime supervisor Sharon Culkin gave birth to baby Daniel just before Christmas, and chairman of governors Sue Challis is expecting her own baby in a few weeks.

"We might have to have a little creche in a corner of one of the classrooms!" Mrs Smith joked.

But Alison, who teaches Year 1 children, said: "It was not a plot, just a coincidence. We broke the news to the headteacher together when we found out we were both pregnant."

Alison, who gave birth to 7lb 12oz Christopher less than three hours into the new year, said: "It's nice to have had a baby on the first day of the year. There were fireworks going off outside and the bells were ringing at the Minster. It felt like the start of a new era."

Sarah, who teaches Year 5 and Year 6 pupils at Elvington, said: "It was hard work but it has been fun sharing the experience. It has been the talking point of Elvington."

Her baby Phoebe, who weighed slightly over 9lb when she was born just after midday, and tiny Christopher Hanham are the first children for both sets of parents.

Fathers Tom Hanham and Ian Carlisle were said to be delighted at the births.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.