TWO sisters from York had a double dose of delight when they gave birth within hours of each other.

Kate Evans and Stephanie Sanderson, who live near each other in Heworth, made it a genuine family affair after going into labour on the same day.

In the space of eight-and-a-half hours, Kate’s daughter Elsa Louise and Stephanie’s little girl Erin May both made their entrance into the world at York Hospital.

The sister act was even more of a surprise as 23-year-old Kate, from Stockton Lane, was not expected to give birth until six days after the double happy event, while Stephanie, 28, was originally due two days before she gave birth.

Kate said: “People always said it would be funny if we both gave birth on the same day so our girls would be like twins, especially as Stephanie is a twin herself, but we never thought it would actually happen in a million years.”

“They are both gorgeous baby girls and I am so proud of Kate and Stephanie,” said their mother Judith Tyssen, 62.

Stephanie was taken to York Hospital after doctors were concerned about her high blood pressure. “I thought I was just going in for a check-up but then they said to me that my baby was ready and that I was to be induced. I couldn’t believe the time had finally arrived.”

Shortly afterwards Kate was also taken into hospital after experiencing niggling pains. “I thought it was just sympathy pains for my sister,” she said.

Her little girl Elsa Louise was born at 11.38am, weighing 8lbs 13oz, and is the baby sister to Jake, aged three.

After being induced, Stephanie was transferred to the labour ward – only to be told by her mother that Kate had just given birth.

The proud grandmother said: “I couldn’t believe it. I knew then that were both going to have little girls on the same day.”

Stephanie’s daughter Erin May was born at 7.71pm weighing 7lbs.