AS Lancashire ushered in the new year, delighted parents welcomed bundles of joy into the world.

Nurses at Burnley General Hospital reported a busy night for deliveries - with a total of six babies making an appearance on New Year's Day.

The first parents to welcome a new arrival were Dr Kalim Kazmi and wife Mohibba, who celebrated the birth of their first son at 3.30am.

The baby, who had not been named, weighed in at just over five pounds.

The couple were well placed for the arrival of their first-born - as they live in married quarters at the hospital where Dr Kazmi works as a psychiatrist.

Dr Kazmi, 32, said: "It is absolutely marvellous news. We are both very happy."

Farzana Kausia, 23, of Nelson, gave birth to her second child at 6am on New Year's Day.

The baby girl, who has not been named, weighed six pounds 15 ounces and joins brother Mohammed Hussain, born 15 months ago.

Delighted parents Emma Jackson and Ian Hall celebrated the arrival of first baby Katie Louise Hall at 4.45pm on January 1.

Ian, 19, a painter and decorator of Colne said he and 18-year-old Emma were over the moon at the birth. He said: "We are delighted."

Susan Howarth, 35, of Hornby Street, Burnley, gave birth to son McKenzie Mulvaney at 7.15am.

The child weighed at seven pounds 13 ounces and joins two brothers and a sister at the Howarth home. McKenzie's dad is Lee Mulvaney, 37, of Harrogate.

Samantha Ainsworth, 19, of Windermere Road, Padiham, welcomed daughter Aisha Leigh Abid at 10.03pm.

The baby, weighing eight pounds six ounces, is the first child for Samantha and partner Abid Hussain, 29.