LITTLE Luke James Younger could not have timed his arrival into the world much better.

Not only was he first to be born in a new birthing pool at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, he came along on Mother's Day.

This week Luke was invited back to the delivery suite as a VIP guest to mark the official opening of the pool, which has since witnessed 21 more new arrivals.

Mother Tracy, from Marton Manor, Middlesbrough, who has another little boy, Liam, said: "I've always wanted a water birth and found the pool absolutely marvellous. I was in the pool for two hours. It was just so calm, I'd definitely recommend it.

"It was extra special when Luke was born on Mother's Day - he was 7lb 10oz.

"In years to come, I will tell him he was the first water baby at the hospital."

The pool is a large, deep, oval bath in its own room in the delivery suite.

Mothers-to-be can opt to use it if their pregnancy is low-risk and there are no other complications. All midwives have received special training in management of water births.

Midwifery officer Kath Mannion, who opened the pool, said: "Birthing pools are becoming much more popular. They prevent unnecessary intervention and mums are much more relaxed and less reliant on drugs as pain relief."

Luke was presented with a special teddy bear by delivery suite co-ordinator Yvonne Regan, ward manager Pat Cowell and midwives Kathy Wilson, Linda Mazonas and Mandy Watling.