MIDWIVES at Farifield Hospital found themselves delivering a few more extra-special Christmas gifts than expected!

The closure of Rochdale Infirmary and the Royal Oldham Hospital to new admissions over the holiday period meant that mums-to-be were sent to Fairfield.

Midwife Sarah Coupe said: "It was busier than we had expected. We had nine Christmas Day babies altogether. It was busy but there was a good atmosphere."

And three Bury mums were among the special deliveries.

Mrs Yeliz Kozanli Smith's first child was born at 1.33pm, weighing a healthy 9lbs 5oz. David Mert Smith had been due on December 15, but he kept his 28-year-old mum waiting and waiting.

Mrs Smith, who lives with her husband Craig in Birch Lea Close, Bury, said: "I had gone into hospital on the 23rd to be induced, but he came naturally on Christmas Day."

"We had our Christmas Day dinner on Boxing Day instead!"

Baby Amy Jayne Best made an early appearance just before midnight on Christmas Day. The tiny tot was due on December 28, but instead decided to join her four siblings for the festive occasion. She weighed 6lbs 80z.

Her mum, Samantha, who lives with husband Andy in Eastham Avenue, Bury, said: "I haven't opened my presents yet, but Amy is the perfect gift. Christmas will be doubly special from now on - and expensive!" she laughed.

Emma Hilton gave birth to her first child at 4.28am. For Emma and her partner Simon Fox, the day was just perfect, with the arrival of Jack Simon Hilton, weighing 6lbs 2oz. Emma, of Langdale Drive, Unsworth, said: "He was due on December 20th, but waited until Christmas Day. Christmas Day was fantastic, it could not have been better!"