As we welcomed 2018, Darent Valley Hospital was busy celebrating 12 new arrivals on New Year’s Day.

The maternity ward at the Darenth Wood Road site saw numbers return to normal after a quieter than expected Christmas Day.

In total two fewer babies than last year were delivered but three more than 2016. Seven of those born were girls and five were boys and the heaviest child weighed in at 8lb 8oz.

One of those was little Alfred George, who gave parents Stacey Jeves and partner George Atkin the best possible start to the year when he arrived at 1.30am, weighing 7lb 14oz.

In total, 2017 saw 4,980 babies delivered at Darent Valley – 2,581 boys and 2,399 girls.