The New Year got off to an extra special start for three Oxfordshire families whose babies were born in the early hours of January 1.

Just ten minutes into the New Year, the first baby of 2002 was delivered at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital.

Caion Michael Blossom surprised his mother, Cheryl Austin, 22, and father, Lee Blossom, 21, by arriving 15 days before he was due.

The baby boy, weighing 5lbs and 13oz, is a brother for 18-month-old Leonti.

Miss Austin, 22, said: "Two people told us the baby was going to be a boy, but I really thought I was going to have another girl. I am delighted to have one of each."

Miss Austin, of Bure Park, Bicester, vowed to make up for missing out on New Year's Eve with a double celebration for her baby's first birthday next year.

Mali and Alan Baylie, of Watson Crescent, in Wootton, near Abingdon, also have a new son, born at 6.58am yesterday at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

The baby boy, who weighed 7lbs 3.5oz, arrived two weeks early. Mrs Baylie, 35, said: "We didn't know if we were going to have a boy or a girl, so we haven't thought of a name for him yet."

He is a brother for six-year-old Alison.

Kerry and Simon Parrott, from Milcombe, near Banbury, are now proud parents of their first child, Cameron Arthur Luke, who was born at 5.57am at the Horton Hospital, in Banbury.

Cameron, who weighed 7lb and 12oz, kept his parents in suspense by arriving a week and two days late.