Walsall couple Katie Lymn and Daniel Paddock welcomed a very special delivery on Christmas Day – their beautiful baby son Freddie Jay Luke Paddock.

Freddie is their first baby and was due on 19 January but clearly wanted to give them a Christmas to remember, arriving at 12.16am today, weighing 6 pounds 12 ounces, and becoming the first Christmas Day baby at Walsall Manor Hospital.

Mum Katie, aged 21, a carer, said: “I was worried at first because I wanted my mum at the birth too but because of Covid I could only have one birth partner. I didn’t need to worry; the midwives have been fantastic with us, so kind, and Daniel was great.

“We’re hoping to go home today but need to be observed a bit longer yet. It does feel special to know that Freddie is the first Christmas Day baby this year.”

Katie and Daniel, 24, were given a gift courtesy of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Well Wishers charity and a socially distanced Santa.

Also celebrating are Pelsall couple Aleshia Skitt and James Smith whose second son Elliott was born at 3.40am today.

Little Elliott was due on 19 December but arrived early this morning, weighing 7 pounds 12 ounces.

Proud dad James, 30, a high voltage electrical and civil engineer, said their elder son Jacob, seven, was enjoying Christmas at his grandparents.

“He’s loving the attention, so we know he’s happy” he said. “I pleased that I’m able to stay here with Alicia as she has had a C section and is recovering from that. It’s definitely a Christmas to remember!”

Again, a socially distanced Santa handed over a gift from the Well Wishers charity.

By 1pm today four Christmas Day babies had been born at Walsall Manor Hospital. Congratulations to all parents and a huge thank you to our #RealMidwives of Walsall  for their support.

Please note that these photographs were taken by a masked Communications Manager, socially distanced, with parents’ masks lowered or removed for just a few seconds following Infection Prevention and Control guidance to minimise any risk.