BABY Joshua Adam Smith is extra special. As Leigh's first new citizen of the Millennium he is No 1 of 2000.

Joshua weighed in at 6lb 4oz at 9.10am on New Year's Day at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

And he was a big surprise for parents Andrea and Mark Smith, of Wigan Road, Leigh. He was not due to arrive until January 10.

But when labour pains started at 6am on New Year's Eve, Mark and Andrea had to shelve party hopes.

Mark, an engineer, said: "We did have other plans, but didn't mind making the last minute arrangements.

"We had originally decided to try for a Millennium baby, but then thought better of it - but then the baby came along anyway!"

Andrea added: "I had a feeling the baby would be born early like his older brother, Sean, who is three. But it never crossed my mind he would be the first born of the Millennium in this area.

"It is a shock. I cannot believe it has happened."

To mark the occasion, the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, Cllr John and Mrs Beryl Monaghan, presented Joshua with an 18-carat gold commemorative medal, with his name, address and date of birth inscribed on the back.

Proud grandparents Stephen and Christine Shaw said: "The baby brings the family to five generations.

"We went to Townleys to visit and welcomed the New Year driving through Daisy Hill watching the fireworks. It was wonderful."

Great grandparents are William and Elsie Cunliffe, of Henrietta Street, Leigh, and great grandad is 95-year-old Tom Hilton, who lives with them.

Fiona Stirling from Octagon Flowers made a presentation of a bouquet to Andrea.

Mayor and Mayoress Cllr John and Mrs Beryl Monaghan are pictured with Andrea Smith and her Millennium baby Joshua Adam.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.