Staff at Darent Valley Hospital welcomed another bumper crop of newborns over the festive holiday.

Fourteen babies were born on January 1, eight girls and six boys. The first arrival was a boy at 1.22am and the last a girl at 11.54pm.

It was similarly busy at the hospital on Christmas Day, when another 14 babies were delivered by nursing staff, eight boys and six girls.

First to arrive was Cain Midson, who came into the world at 0.36am to the delight of mum Kaylee, who is from Gravesend. The youngster was an impressive 9lb 7oz and was delivered by midwife Jane Cooke.

Shortly after, along came baby Koneswaran, much to the delight of mum Thanushigga and her partner, Sundaralingam, from Dartford. The couple’s little girl was born at 0.53am, weighed 7lb 4oz and was delivered by midwife Hannah Williamson.

The last to be delivered on Christmas Day was a boy at 6.44pm.

For a list of all the newborns, parents and midwives, plus plenty of photos, pick up tomorrow's (Thursday) Dartford or Gravesend Messenger.