THE streets of Preston town centre may have been quiet during Millennium Eve, but the maternity ward of Sharoe Green Hospital couldn't have been busier.

Ten bundles of joy entered the world on New Year's Day, keeping midwives on their toes throughout the celebrations.

The first baby to make an appearance on the maternity ward with her presence was Megan Lee, who weighed in at a healthy 9lbs 14oz.

But 19-year-old mum Lorna, of Carr Street, Preston, didn't even imagine she would be Preston's first millennium mum.

She only found out two days later that Megan was the first, having entered the world just 16 minutes after the new Millennium had dawned.

Lorna said: "We didn't plan for a millennium baby or anything like that. In fact, she was due on December 17!

"It has been an anxious wait. The fact she is the first of the millennium in the area is the icing on the cake."

Leyland's first baby was also born at Sharoe Green, although Bethany Sarah Redgrove waited until 9.40am before entering the world.

She had been due on Christmas Eve, but chose to hang on, giving her mum, Julie Unsworth, the first sign that she was on her way at 11am on New Year's Eve.

Julie and partner Robert Redgrove, of Cumberland Avenue, are delighted with their 7lbs 13oz baby, although Julie admitted: "Once it was over, all I wanted was Budweiser and a kip!"

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