It was the Christmas present they had been awaiting for almost a week - the birth of their baby son Harvey.

Fiona Furse and Michael Kerr were expecting Harvey on December 19. But the 7lb 15oz bundle of joy insisted on waiting until Christmas Day to make his mark.

When Fiona realised he was making his entrance, the couple didn't have far to travel from their home in Eastern Road, Brighton, to get to the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

After a 12-hour labour, Harvey was born at about 7am on Christmas morning, just as dawn was breaking.

Fiona already knew she was having a boy. The couple chose his name several months ago, soon after their first scan.

Harvey is Michael and Fiona's first baby, and both found the experience of childbirth incredible and magical.

Fiona said: "It is fantastic, absolutely wonderful. He is like a little star."

Jack Paul Hawkins also made his entry into the world at Brighton, weighing in at 7lb 13oz. His mum Natasha Eisnor gave birth at 2.45pm.

Alexander James George, son of Allie George, arrived a little later at 7.35pm, tipping the scales at a bouncing 9lb 1oz.

Toby Ian Farrier made his appearance at Eastbourne District and General Hospital at 12.17pm weighing-in at 7lb and 3oz to the delight of proud parents Ian Farrier and Nina Powell.

At Worthing Hospital, Colette Arnell and Helen Seymour gave birth to daughters who have yet to be named.

Wendy Rudwick gave birth to Kane Ezobi, who weighed in at 9lb 5oz, at 8.32pm in Worthing Hospital.