THERE was a special present for Lisa and Michael Cook on Christmas Day - their first child Michaela.

Little Michaela, who weighed 7lb 3oz arrived at 9.30am in Leighton Hospital on Christmas morning.

She is now at home with her parents in Wentworth Grove, Winsford.

Lisa woke up with slight contractions on Christmas Eve morning, went to Leighton Hospital and was advised to stay in.

"When I first became pregnant I was told the date would be December 21 but Michael said it would be Christmas Day right from the start," said Lisa, aged 31.

"I'm absolutely ecstatic, it really is great."

Lisa, who works at financial services in Marks and Spencer in Chester, is originally from Atlanta, in Georgia.

She met Michael, aged 35, who is in IT management, in Barclays Bank, when he went to America on business a few years ago.

Also celebrating the birth is Michael's mum Norma Cook, who lives with the family and also Pat Coyle, Lisa's mum, who flew over last Thursday to join in the celebrations.

Another family were celebrating a very special delivery on Christmas Day with the birth of a beautiful baby boy.

Baby Connor was born to proud parents Mary Lloyd and her partner Shane at 10.32am, on Christmas Day, in Leighton Hospital.

Connor, who is Mary's fifth baby, is now back at home in Bedford Rise in the Glebe Green Estate.