Meet Vinnie and Eden, the first babies born at University Hospital of North Tees maternity unit in 2021

Baby Vinnie (left) with mum Toni Leigh was born at 3.32am and baby Eden Willow Bull (right) with mum Laura were the first babies born at Hartlepool’s maternity centre in 2021 on New Year's Day.

Hartlepool families are delighted to start 2021 by welcoming their little bundles of joy into the world on New Year’s Day.

University Hospital of Hartlepool welcomed two New Year’s Day babies on it’s Maternity ward on Friday, January 1.

The first baby was Vinnie, born at 3.32am, weighing 7lb 8oz. Parents Toni Leigh and Ross will now return to their home in Hartlepool with their newborn son.

Second baby, Eden Willow Bull was born at 07.16am, weighing 6lb 11oz. Teachers Laura Bull and Jonathon Bull will be bringing their newborn daughter to her home in Hartlepool.

Baby girl Eden Willow Bull with mum Laura Bull.

The two first babies of the year born in Hartlepool’s maternity unit will among the last babies to be born in the hospital’s old birthing centre.

Hartlepool’s birthing centre is set to be revamped this year after hospital managers at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust set out to improve maternity services.

First babies due to be born at new Hartlepool hospital suite

The first births are now expected at the end of February.

Head of Midwifery for the Trust, Stephanie El- Malak said: “We’ve put so much into getting this facility up and running, as we know it is what the people of Hartlepool want.

"It is a beautiful relaxing environment to have a baby and I think the women will have a very special experience here as they see their baby for the first time."

The North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust posted to their Facebook page to welcome all new babies born this year.

The trust said: “Happy FIRST New Year to all the little ones born during the pandemic.”

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