AS FAMILIES woke up to enjoy Christmas Day, the city's midwifes were hard at work.
Maternity staff at Hull Royal Infirmary welcomed no fewer than nine babies into the world before noon, making Christmas that extra bit special for their proud families.
The midwives were called into action soon after midnight mass had finished in the early hours of Christmas morning and staff at the hospital were gearing up for yet more arrivals in the afternoon.
Kristal Dobson, with her husband Mark by her side, gave birth to their son Jack, just 17 minutes into Christmas Day.
Jack had been due on December 28 but surprised his parents from Beverley by making an early appearance, weighing in at 7lb 1oz.
Kristal, 28, said: "It is the best Christmas present I could ever ask for.
"It all happened very quickly. My waters broke at around 9pm and then Jack was born just after midnight."
Proud dad Mark said they couldn't wait to get Jack home.
He said: "We are so happy and proud to welcome Jack on such a special day.
"We can't wait to introduce him to the rest of the family.
"To have our first child on Christmas Day is amazing and I am so proud of Kristal. It is something we will never forget."
Kristal's family live in County Down, Northern Ireland, so young Jack will be introduced to her family using Skype while Mark's family in Yorkshire will meet him in the next couple of days.
For all the families who welcomed new arrivals yesterday, this was the best present they could have wished for.
But, for one mum it was something she had dreamed of for a long time.
Tanya Watkins, 27, gave birth to her third child, who she and her boyfriend, Paul Russell, have not named yet, at 3.26am. She said: "I wished for her to be born on Christmas Day so for it to happen is amazing.
"I just want to get her home and introduce her to the rest of kids."
Their baby, who was due on January 2, was born weighing 5lb 9oz.
Paul, 36, of Walkington, said it was a fantastic surprise.
"We weren't expecting the baby so early so we had everything planned for a Christmas at home," he said.
"But this has all been worth it and it has certainly been a very special Christmas so far."
Their child will meet Tanya's other daughters Tia, five, Jessica, 17 months, and Paul's daughter Chloe, 10, when she is expected to leave the hospital today.
For the mums and dads who welcomed their babies yesterday, Christmas Day 2012 will be one they will never forget.
Laura and Mike Drury, of Newport, welcomed their first child, Bobby, shortly after 9am. Bobby was also early, arriving ahead of his due date of January 2, weighing 6lb 3oz.
Laura, 24, said: "I couldn't believe it when my waters broke. It was a complete shock. We have been planning for Christmas for a long time, just in case Bobby came early, but I wasn't expecting it at all.
"To be able to have our first child on Christmas Day makes it extra special. I couldn't have asked for more.
"It is the best present we could have hoped for. He's beautiful."
Laura was joined by her husband Mike, 27, and her mum at the birth.
She said: "My mum and husband and everyone at the hospital have been brilliant. I can't wait to take him home and enjoy the rest of our Christmas as a family."
