A bumper crop of babies arrived at Sussex hospitals in time to celebrate Christmas with their proud new parents.

Thirty-five babies were delivered throughout the day.

New mum Laurie Smith, of Common Lane, Ditchling, near Burgess Hill, abandoned her plans to cater for 12 people on Christmas Day when her waters broke at 11.45pm on Christmas Eve.

After rushing to the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath, with partner Craig Mayhew, her 5lb baby girl was born at 2.30am, three and a half weeks early.

Miss Smith, 40, who runs a hotel in London, said: "We haven't thought of a name yet because we weren't expecting her so soon and weren't quite ready but we have got a cot and some clothes.

"I had all the family planned to come round but they ended up cooking their own lunch. It was a bit of a surprise but I had a gut feeling she was going to come on Christmas Day. It's always the way when you make plans."

Ruth and John Cox's baby was due on Christmas Eve but little Emmah had different ideas. She arrived at 4am on Christmas morning weighing 7lb 11oz and shares a birthday with her uncle, Alan Bailey, who turned 36.

Mrs Cox, 31, who runs Penelope's teashop in Wisborough Green, near Billingshurst, said: "It was a lovely Christmas present and my brother will be quite chuffed he has got someone to share his birthday with now."

At the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, Hove parents Helena Vinquist and Stephane Hourdille made plans to raise a multi-lingual baby.

Miss Vinquist, 39, from Sweden, and Mr Hourdille, 31, from France, hope their baby boy will grow up to speak three languages.

The baby, who is yet to be named and was the hospital's first delivery of the day at 3.47am, weighed 7lb 11oz.

Ellie Asquith was due on December 15 but eventually arrived after nine hours of labour at 8.30am on Christmas Day to mum Yumiko, 36, and dad Anthony, 39, of Southdown Road, Brighton.

Little Ellie weighed 7lb 12oz and is the couple's first child.

Hannah Mary Major was the first baby to arrive at Eastbourne District General Hospital at 12.17am and weighed 6lb 13oz.

Proud new dad Andrew Major, 33, of Micheldene Road, East Dean, said: "Mother and baby are doing fine."