Baby Holly Mae's arrival on Christmas Eve gives Hordle family an early present

HORDLE sisters Amber Rose and Olivia Bailey had even more to celebrate this Christmas with arrival of a new member of the family.

Tipping the scales at 9lb 7oz, Holly Mae was born at the New Forest Birth Centre at Ashurst at 1.52am on 24th December to proud parents Claire and Andy Bailey.

Claire (38) told the A&T: “Holly was due on 16th December so we were expecting her to arrive before Christmas as our other two daughters were both six days late.

"When the sixth day came and went, I wondered whether she was holding on for Christmas.”

However, Holly-Mae had other ideas and was delivered by midwives Kirsty Cunningham and Elaine Batton after a relatively swift labour.

Claire, who owns New Forest and Dorset Brides in Highcliffe, was then able to return home with Holly-Mae just after lunchtime on Christmas Eve.

She said: “It’s been perfect timing for Olivia and Amber as they are off school so they have been able to enjoy lots of cuddles. She is a very contented baby so it has really made for a lovely family Christmas.”

Dad Andy (40), who works at Benchmarx Kitchens in Bournemouth, said: “Holly is very happy to be passed around and cuddled so she has already had a chance to meet quite a few friends and relatives.”

As the first baby to arrive at New Forest Birth Centre over Christmas, Holly Mae was given a handmade baby Santa costume donated by a Totton based knitting group.