OCTOBER 25 has become a special date for a North-East family.

When Heather Laing gave birth to her daughter on Friday, it gave the family a third reason to celebrate.

Mrs Laing, from Tow Law, in County Durham, was in Bishop Auckland General Hospital's maternity ward on the day she celebrated her 35th birthday.

Her other daughter, Nicola, was also born on October 25 and was enjoying her 10th birthday on the same day.

Strengthening the importance of the date is the new addition to the family, an 8lb 8oz girl who has yet to be named by her proud parents.

Mrs Laing's sister, Chrissy Suddes, said: "It's absolutely brilliant. Heather is absolutely delighted and the baby is beautiful."

The new mother also has a son Kieran, whose birthday is March 15.

She is now back at home in the Weardale town with husband Stephen and the rest of her family.

She said: "I suppose it is quite unusual for three of us to have the same birthday.

"We're quite a close-knit family, and I think there will probably be a big party every October 25 from now on."