LYING contented in her big sister Lily’s lap baby Zoe Stark was desperate to make the New Year’s celebrations.

She was not due to arrive for another seven days but was welcomed to the world at exactly 12 minutes past 12 making her Sussex’s first baby of 2018.

Her delighted mother Samantha and father Elan are convinced she wanted to join their New Year’s celebrations - even though the expectant couple were not preparing for too wild a night.

As the Champagne corks had barely finished popping Zoe arrived at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, weighing 8lb3oz.

Electrician Elan 37, of Hurstpierpoint, said: “We are all doing really well.

“Zoe is our second baby.

“She wasn’t due until January 7 but we think she really wanted to see in the New Year.”

As far as new year’s celebrations go radiographer Samantha was able to spend the night catching up with old friends, as she trained at Brighton and Sussex medical school with the obstetrician and consultant on duty.

Elan added: “It was really nice because she knew she was in very safe hands. With Sam so close to her due date we weren’t really planning much of a party, but it was a bit like a bit of a reunion with her old friends.

“Everyone is really excited to meet Zoe and I’m sure all our family will be visiting over the next few days.”

Extra special Zoe was the first of several new year’s babies.

Six tots arrived between midnight and midday yesterday.

Worthing hospital said they were rushed of their feet with an especially busy night, with the labour ward still busy as The Argus went to press.

Sussex's New Year babies join an illustrious list of those with January 1 birthdays, including DJ Grandmaster Flash, actor Verne Troyer and American boxer Rocky Graziano.

TV presenter Fiona Phillips, British television presenter, actress Keeley Hawes, and footballer Jack Wilshere were also new year's babies.