FAMILIES had a Christmas Day to remember at Royal Sussex County Hospital as they welcomed their new born babies into the world.

While millions of people across the country ate Christmas dinner and unwrapped presents, three couples were meeting the latest additions to their family.

At just before 1am, Tsvetanka Apostolov, from Patcham, gave birth to Melody Meredith at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Eastern Road, Brighton. She weighed 7lb 28oz.

Proud mother Tsvetanka, 40, said: “It was such a surprise because she came late and we were wondering which date she was going to choose to come out. It’s the best present.

“All of the family have met her and everyone adores her - she is so cute, aware and mature for a couple of days of life.”

Yoga teacher Tsventanka and her partner Guy Meredith, 44, are now looking forward to leaving hospital with their first child Melody in a couple of days.

Tsvetanka added: “I’d like to thank the staff at Royal Sussex Hospital - they are amazing and they were very kind. I am very grateful Melody was born here.”

Mahnaz Shirian, from Holland Road, Hove, gave birth to little baby girl Christine Sahranavard at 4.20pm. She tipped the scales at 8lb 5oz.

Her husband Farid Shirian said: “My wife and I are very happy and we are looking forward to bringing Christine home.”

Benjamin Macey arrived at 7.34pm to proud parents Charlotte and Adam Macey from Peacehaven.

Little Benjamin weighed in at 7lb 7oz.

Aviation worker Adam, 32, said: “Charlotte was scheduled to be induced on Christmas Eve so we were expecting him to arrive around Christmas Day.

“He is healthy, happy and feeding - he’s just lovely.”

The couple's families were on tender hooks awaiting the latest addition to the family.

“Our family love him to bits - they even waited to have their Christmas dinner till late evening,” said Adam.

The couple and their baby are due to leave hospital today.

The newborns now have the luxury of both birthday and Christmas presents on Christmas Day.