Nine babies were born at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital on Christmas Day.

The new arrivals were joined by two babies who were born at the Horton Hospital, Banbury.

Among the delighted new Christmas parents were Shaan and Mark Southam, whose baby Isla arrived four weeks early.

The little girl, who weighed 7lb, was one of the first newborns to arrive on Christmas Day at the John Radcliffe.

Mr and Mrs Southam were due to host a festive lunch for their family at their home in Steventon, near Abingdon.

But Isla's unexpected arrival at 2.45am meant new mum Mrs Southam had to miss the festivities.

She said: "Isla was a complete Christmas surprise. We had no indication she would come early because it had been a perfect pregnancy.

"My waters broke in the early hours of Christmas Eve and I went into labour that afternoon, and Isla took a little time to arrive.

"Because she was a little bit early, we're still at the hospital and Isla has been put on antibiotics, but she's doing well and is not a special care baby.

"My husband was left to cater for nine at home, and I had to miss it all - but Isla was worth it."

Mrs Southam, 28, who works with her 33-year-old husband at IT company RM Education, in Milton Park, near Abingdon, had only just started maternity leave and was due to have four weeks to prepare before her baby was born.

She said: "There are a few of us at work who were all due around the same time, and we'd all joked that one of us would have our baby on Christmas Day.

"I wish I hadn't said that now!"