Christmas babies welcomed in Durham, Darlington and Middlesbrough

The first baby to be born at James Cook hospital in Middlesbrough was Vallie Georgia Moloney, weighing 9lbs 1oz.

Toni-Marie Redfern, from Ormesby, Middlesbrough, had a long labour to push through before meeting her beautiful baby girl. 

Vallie was born only ten minutes after midnight, early on Christmas morning, making her the first baby in the region. 

New mum Toni-Marie said: "Vallie is my first - but my partner, Anthony Moloney, has a little boy too, so she's joining the family.

"I was induced on December 22, but she wasn't due until Wednesday (December 27). It's been quite a long labour."

Toni-Marie is hoping to take little Vallie home soon. 

Vallie Georgia Moloney (Image: Handout)

It has been a bumper year for Christmas babies at James Cook hospital, with five more being born on the ward before 1pm today. 

Elsewhere in the North East, new parents have been celebrating the birth of their festive newborns. 

James Humble and Kate Baxter welcomed their first baby at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Though the Darlington couple are yet to decide on a name for their baby boy, they are "over the moon" with the new arrival. 

Their baby, born weighing 6lbs and 13ozheld out for a Christmas birthday, being born more than a week after his due date. 

James, Kate, and their new baby. (Image: Handout)

New dad James said: "We're just so pleased! He's a bit late - he was originally due on December 17."

At the University Hospital of North Durham, Paige Harle welcomed her new baby girl in the early hours of Christmas 2023. 

Millie Mae Aldworth-Harle, weighing 9lbs 3oz, was born at 00.54am this morning. 

She's the little sister of Kobi James, who has been eagerly awaiting her arrival this December.