A COUPLE enjoyed a double dose of New Year celebrations when their child was born on their anniversary.

Nine babies were born on News Year's Day at Lewisham Hospital in Lewisham High Street.

Parents Colin and Emma Chowdhury, from Hither Green, were celebrating after their daughter Elizabeth arrived at 6am. She weighed in at 7lb 12oz.

The couple were also delighted at the timing of the birth as it fell on the same day as their first wedding anniversary.

Mrs Chowdhury said: "It's special, a wonderful day to have a baby. We will never forget her birthday.

"It is also our anniversary so we got all the celebrating over in one day."

Other proud parents were Noyenim and Devon Blair, whose baby girl Brooke was born at 11am and weighed 7lb.

Mrs Blair, of Lamerock Road, Downham, said: "It's nice to have a baby at the start of the year."