EAST Lancashire's first babies of 2019 were welcomed into the world by beaming parents.

Eight tiny tots were born at Burnley General Hospital and one was born at Royal Blackburn in the early hours of New Year's Day.

Little Lucy Culshaw, weighing 6lbs and 1oz, was the first baby born in East Lancashire at 12.19am at Burnley General Hospital.

Her parents Bethany Culshaw, 28, and Thomas Culshaw, 28, from Blackburn, were delighted with their first born.

Bethany said: "There's so many emotions going on right now, I'm tired, I'm happy, I'm glad everything went okay.

"It's been a rollercoaster of a ride."

Evie-Mai Salter was born at 12.30am and weighed 5lbs 10oz.

Her mum, Rebecca Fisher, 22 and dad William Salter, 30, from Blackburn, said: "It's amazing to have another girl.

"I think we'll stop at two babies, we've got enough.

"She's beautiful and I'm so happy."

Lauren Ward, 29, from Ramsbottom, gave birth to a little boy, weighing 6lbs and 13.5oz, at 7.40am.

Her husband Matthew, 32, said: "I feel tired, but not as tired as Lauren feels.

"It's amazing, this is my first child and I love him."

Lauren said: "We haven't decided on a name just yet.

"We've got a shortlist and we will have one very soon."

Ted Neafcy was born at 2.37am, weighed 6lbs 9oz and was the third baby to be born at Burnley General Hospital.

His mum, Jessica, 36, said: "I've not managed to sleep since he arrived but I am really happy.

"We've got a new addition to the family and I can't wait to get him home.

"Ted is our first child, he looks so cute.

"There's so many emotions happening at once it's hard to describe how i feel, but its all good."

According to the Unicef charity, an estimated 395,000 babies were born around the world today.

Seven babies were born at the Central Birth Suite at Burnley General Hospital on Christmas Day 2018, with none being born at the Blackburn Birthing Centre.