MANY people bring in the new year with a party or watching the fireworks on TV, but for a particular few, this year was more special than most.

For some expectant parents in Basingstoke, it was an extra special Christmas and New Year as their new arrivals kicked off 2017 in grand style at Basingstoke hospital.

Melanie Pettifer, 37, from Tadley, welcomed Connie Anne Pettifer into the world at 8:37pm on the first day of 2017, weighing 5lb 7oz.

“It was quite a shock for her to arrive on the first day of the new year,” the primary school teacher said.

“She was due on the 29th of December, so a few day late, but I think that we can forgive her that.”

Husband Ian Pettifer and first child Jak, 7, were pleased to gain a new daughter and sister.

Dawn Andrews-Peterson, 39, and Selwyn Peterson, of Beggarwood, also welcomed a new life in with a new year.

Jake Andrews-Peterson was born on New Year’s Day at 4:56pm, just over a month early at 2.59kg, having been originally due on February 5.

“It was quite the way to start the New Year. We are so thankful for your safe arrival after being an unexpected five weeks early,” Mrs Andrews-Peterson, a customer care team leader said.

Jake is now back at the family home, and is doing well.

However, the first baby born on Christmas Day this year received a very special welcome after being born.

The nurses and midwives put together a manger full of presents to give to the first child to be born at Basingstoke Hospital.

Jack Archie Garlick was born at 2:54am on Christmas Day, weighing 8lb 5oz, making sure that new mum Rebecca Garlick and dad Jon’s Christmas 2016 would be one to remember.

The 33-year-old first time mother said: “The midwives were incredible. They were really amazing, we really didn’t know or expect anything to happen, so the presents were a lovely surprise.”