Wayne and Sarah Smith, who were married at Christmas three years ago, were delighted when they became parents for the first time in the early hours of New Year's Day.

Wayne and Sarah Smith, with baby Ava Violet Mrs Smith, 32, went into Oxford's John Radcliffe hospital at 8.30pm, and gave birth to Ava Violet Smith, who weighed seven pounds and one ounce, at 12.52am.

The couple work for schools computer firm RM at Milton Park, near Didcot, and live in Abingdon.

Mr Smith, 38, said: "My nan died in the JR in April, and she was Christina Violet, hence the middle name.

"We are very proud and absolutely delighted.

"All the midwives and staff have been really nice to us, even though they have had to work New Year's Eve."

Maibritt, 35 and Christian, 40, Haar, of Maidensgrove, Henley, are celebrating the birth of their second daughter, Victoria, at 10.41am on New Year's Day.

At The Horton Hospital, Banbury, Sue Aydon, 33, gave birth to Luca, who weighed eight pounds five ounces, at 5.30am.

Sue and her partner, Perran Moon, 33, a marketing manager, live in Swalcliffe near Banbury.

Also at the Horton, Ana Marie Justaga gave birth to a daughter, Andrea Louise.