Two families from Ilkley were given the perfect Christmas Day present with the birth of a new baby.

Claire Leavesley, of Gordon Street, Ilkley delivered her tiny son Jack just after 1pm on December 25, to the delight of her partner, Martin, and his three other children.

Weighing just 5lbs, Jack arrived five days ahead of schedule to give his parents the ultimate surprise gift.

Speaking at Airedale Hospital's maternity ward in Steeton on Friday, December 27, Claire said: "He was due on January 30 but I had to be induced on Christmas Eve, and it was a great present to see him on Christmas day. You couldn't ask for a better baby, really. And it will be easy to remember his birthday!"

Proud father Martin said: "We are getting him home today and really looking forward to it.

"The grandparents have been working on the nursery over Christmas so it will all be ready for him."

Sandrine Pickard, meanwhile, originally from France but now living in Ben Rhydding with her husband, Howard, completed a long labour at 6.06pm on Christmas Day with the birth of their second daughter, Laurenne.

Smiling as she held her 7lbs 12ozs baby in her arms, she said: "We were expecting her on December 25 but she certainly took her time getting here!

"It has been really good, though, and we are very happy. She is half French and half English, and I called her Laurenne so her name would sound like the place I come from in France, which is spelt Lorraine."

The maternity services manager at the hospital, Kath Walsh, said the staff always enjoyed welcoming Christmas Day babies and they were delighted with the arrival of the Ilkley pair.