A MATERNITY ward welcomed five new born babies on the first day of the year. 

The first of the five to be born at Furness General Hospital yesterday was Nevaeh Eilish McAllister who was born weighing 7lb 1oz.

Making her appearance at 2.07am she was born four days earlier than expected. 

She was born to proud mums Lauren McAllister, 26 and Katie Irvine, 30, both from Barrow.

Carlos Jonathon Louis Killip was born at bit later on in the day at 12.35pm. 

He weighed 7lb 3oz and was also a born a bit early. 

His mum, Laura Aitchison, 22, from Barrow said: "He wasn't expected until January 13 so it was a bit of a surprise, he is my New Year's gift."

His father, Louis Killip, 42, explained that Louis was an important name as it wasn't just his name but his father's name too.

One of the smallest newborns on the ward was a little baby girl weighing just 5lb 8oz. 

She was born to Leanne Jenkinson, 30, and Paul Drinkwater, 27, from Cartmel. 

They haven't yet decided on a name for her.