IT was an extra special start to the year for these proud parents, as they toasted 2013 by welcoming new lives into the world.

Maternity staff at Ipswich Hospital were kept busy on New Year’s Day with a host of new mums and babies to look after.

Carolyn Jones, 20, of Kesgrave, was one of the first to go into labour in the early hours, but didn’t give birth to 7lb 2oz baby Olivia until 8.06am.

“She was supposed to be born before New Year. She was 12 days overdue,” Carolyn said. “I was one of the first to go into labour, but the third to give birth.”

First to arrive on the busy ward was Isaac Luther Chandler. Mum Leonara Chandler gave birth to the 8lb 4oz baby at 4.45am.

Katarzyna Frontczak greeted 8lb 13oz newborn Jakub shortly afterwards, at 5.30am.

Rebecca Sorapure, 29, and husband David, 42, from Ipswich were delighted when 6lb 7oz Matthew Henry arrived at 9.57am, despite him being two-and-a-half weeks early.

David said: “It’s quite a relief, Becky had hyperemesis gravidarum (acute morning sickness) for most of the pregnancy – the same the Duchess of Cambridge had – so it’s quite a relief to have it over with.

“It’s a good way of starting the New Year.”

Proud mum Rebecca added: “2013 should be brilliant now, I can’t wait.”

Delighted dad Adam Gwilliam, 25, of Wherstead Road showed off 7lb 1oz Riley Gwilliam, born at 10.36am while mum Alana Hay, 25, enjoyed a well-deserved rest.

He said: “New year, new arrival – we’re more than happy.”

Ellen Gilson, of Marlesford, celebrated the start of 2013 by becoming a grandmother.

Her daughter Kate gave birth to 6lb 4oz baby Annabelle at 10.56am.

She said: “It’s lovely, it’s a brilliant start to a new year. She’s like a little doll.”