LITTLE ZAC Rhodes-Baird must be one of the first Christmas babies of 2010.

The 6lb 13oz bundle was delivered 20 seconds after midnight on Christmas Day, despite mum, Zoe Rhodes-Baird’s attempts to complete the birth on Christmas Eve.

“I wanted him to come on Christmas Eve,” said 26-year-old Zoe. “My birthday is December 28, so I know it’s not a nice time to have it.”

Zac was one of five baby boys born at York Hospital on Christmas Day, with four girls taking the total to nine – slightly above the hospital’s daily average. Despite being 20 seconds later than hoped, Zac was actually born two weeks early and wasn’t expected until January 12.

This meant Zoe, a healthcare worker, and dad Jamie, who works at Nestlé, were all organised for Christmas and were happy to be taking Zac to Zoe’s parents for Christmas dinner.

“He’s their first grandchild, so it’s very special,” she said.

Zoe and Jamie, from Strensall, thanked midwife Jackie Milling, who they discovered was also born on Christmas Day.

“She was absolutely amazing, especially working on her birthday,” Zoe said.

It was just such selfless and hard-working NHS staff that the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Sue Galloway went to see when the civic party visited the hospital on Christmas Day.

“People like to be at home for Christmas with their family and if they can’t it’s nice for us to give a little bit of Christmas cheer. To those who have to work Christmas as well I wanted to say thank you very much for everything that they do,” Coun Galloway said.

The civic party, including the Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress Lorraine Meehan, the Sheriff of York, Coun Richard Watson and the Sheriff’s Lady, Linda Watson, accompanied by Patrick Crowley, the chief executive of York Hospital and Alan Rose, chairman of York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, visited the children’s ward and the special care baby unit, as well as the maternity ward.

“It’s lovely to see all the little babies, they’re just so tiny. It’s probably one of the best parts of the job,” said Coun Galloway “It’s what Christmas is all about, all the little babies with their parents and presents at the bottom of the bed ready and waiting.”