Parents greet New Year tots

PROUD . . . Olivia Nuttall and Joshua Crosby with their new Year's Day baby Penelope

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NEW Year's Day was made even more auspicious when delighted parents greeted their newborn babies.

Little Penelope Crosby was the first baby to be born at the Royal Oldham Hospital at 1.37am on Sunday.

Weighing 6lb 3oz, the little bundle of joy was born by an emergency caesarian to proud parents Olivia Nuttall and Joshua Crosby, from Chadderton.

Olivia (21), who is a nursery nurse, said: "You can't fully describe the feeling but it's nice.

"I knew I was having a girl - it's what we both wanted.

"I chose the name Penelope because it's something you don't hear a lot.

"The care here has been really good.

"She doesn't even cry, not even when she's hungry. She only cries when getting changed."

Joshua (25), a landscaper, said: "It feels amazing. I have got a four-year-old boy from a previous relationship.

"It feels a bit different. I feel more protective."

They were hoping to be discharged from the hospital yesterday to introduce their daughter to the rest of the family.

Great grandmother Rosaleen Clarke (68) came from Littleborough to see her third great grandchild.

She said: "We're over the moon. I'm happy for them both. It's a special time of the year as well. She is so special and gorgeous."

Proud parents Afia Suleman (35) and Khurram Shezad (38), from Castleton, both decided that Hassan would be the name for their second child.

Mum Afia had a long delivery ­- she had initially arrived on December 28, and had to wait a few days until a bed was free.

She was diagnosed with gestational diabetes but had a normal delivery, and baby Hassan was born at 4.06am, weighing at 7lb 11 1/2oz.

She said: "It feels so good. I'm very happy. I think dad is even happier. My other son is upset because I've been away for five days. He's quite attached to me."