EAST Lancashire saw a festive baby boom as couples across the region received Christmas presents they will never forget.

A total of 14 babies were born on December 25 as some families put their usual Christmas celebrations on hold to welcome their latest additions.

Midwives at Burnley’s Lancashire Women and Newborn Centre (LWNC) and birth centres in Blackburn and Rawtenstall worked round-the-clock to make sure the youngsters were well cared for.

At the LWNC, in Burnley General Hospital, one little lad caused his dad to miss an important football match – and also cost him a new car.

Taylor James Robson-Booth, who arrived at 2.23am weighing 8lb 10oz, is already the subject of a tug-of-war over his footballing allegiance with first-time parents Ashleigh Robson, 26, and Sam Booth, 27.

Dad Sam, a support worker who lives in Waterfoot, said: “I had tickets in the executive seats to watch Manchester United against Newcastle United at Old Trafford yesterday but I’ve obviously had to give them up.

“I’m originally from Heywood in Manchester and Ashleigh is from Newcastle so I’m not sure who he’s going to support yet.”

Mum Ashleigh, also a support worker, said: “He’s going to be spoilt every Christmas Day from now on, that’s for sure. He was due on December 19 so he kept us waiting for a bit.”

Sam added: “The day we found out Ashleigh was pregnant I was due to buy a new car. I quickly had to postpone that but this is the best Christmas present you could ever ask for.”

On a neighbouring ward, Seaneen Dolby, 36, and 38-year-old husband Richard, from Accrington, welcomed little Orla Grace Dolby, who arrived at 1.35pm weighing 8lb 5oz.

Seaneen, who works in an opticians’ practice, said: “She was born in Blackburn but I had some complications and we’ve come here to be looked after. It’s so exciting to have a Christmas baby. It’s perfect.”

Richard, a civil servant, added: “We’ve decided that we’ll celebrate Christmas Day in the morning and her birthday in the afternoon because that’s when she was born.”

Burnley couple Hayley Forbes, 24, and Stuart Gibson were equally delighted with Holly Mae Gibson, who was born at 2.53am weighing 5lb 15oz.

Stuart, 30 said: “She was due on Christmas Eve but this is just perfect. She’s had all the family up to visit and it’s just amazing.”