New Year's Day was extra special for two north Cumbrian couples as they became first-time parents.

People across the country were still celebrating the start of 2017 when baby Grace Catherine Barnes became the first new arrival of the year at the Maternity Unit of Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary.

She was born at 12.51am.

Although two weeks early, Grace was a healthy 6lbs 9oz.

She is the first child of Rachel Archbold, 26, and her partner James Barnes, also 26, both of Sandsfield Park, Carlisle.

"It still doesn't seem real," Rachel admitted.

"She means the absolute world to us. I still can't believe she's ours. I always wanted a child."

James, a HGV mechanic, said: "We're tired but happy that everything went okay and they're both okay."

The couple praised staff at the unit for their professionalism and care.

The next birth at the unit came at 11.24am as Ruth and Chris Forrester, from Penrith, welcomed their first child into the world.

Cradled gently in his mother's arms as he slept, newborn Robert Forrester was oblivious to the joy he has brought his exhausted but delighted parents.

His weight was 5lbs and 14.5oz.

“It's been amazing,” said Ruth. “We've been here since December 27, and the staff have been amazing.

"We've seen every single member of staff in the department and they've been fantastic – in terms of the care we've had, and their kindness and friendliness.

“Nobody could fault them.”

Chris, 40, added: “It's a lovely start to the New Year – amazing, really. We're looking forward to sleeping sometime next year!

"We hadn't really twigged yesterday that it was New Year's Eve but this morning really does feel like New Year.”

Asked about how they expect life to change, Ruth said: “It will change – but purely for the better.”

Two babies were also born at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven yesterday.