CELEBRATIONS took place yesterday when the first baby was born in one of the region's new maternity units.

Jake Thomas was born at North Tees General Hospital, Stockton, at 1.23pm, weighing 3580 grams - which is just over seven and a half pounds.

Proud parents, Richard Morrison, 26, and Elizabeth Tighe, 21, from Billingham, are delighted with their beautiful baby boy, who is their first child.

Ms Tighe, who was in labour for 11 hours and 40 minutes, said: "We are absolutely delighted with our healthy little boy. We would also like to say a big thank you to all the staff who were all brilliant."

As Jake was the first baby born in the new unit, he was presented with a silver picture frame and a certificate.

A hospital spokeswoman said: "Mother and baby are doing fine, and to commemorate the birth all babies born in the unit after Jake will also be presented with a certificate. The baby is very beautiful."

The maternity unit opened at the hospital last Monday and is located on two floors.

Facilities include a maternity suite, including ten delivery rooms with en-suite bathrooms, one of which has been designed for women with disabilities, and another with a birthing pool.

There are two quiet rooms for parents, and a bereavement suite.

More than 2,000 babies are born at the hospital a year. The unit is one of the projects in a £7m rebuild programme at the hospital.

Other improvements include a breast screening unit and a gynaecology and maternity outpatients department, which will be completed this year.