The New Year began in the most special way for a family at Lynn hospital whose baby was born just minutes after the bells chimed.

Baby Jaden was born at 29 minutes past midnight on New Year’s Day, arriving early at 30 weeks, weighing just 2lbs 7oz.

It came as a surprise to proud first-time parents Faith and Cliff from Bidwell in Dunstable.

Faith said: “We’re so excited and glad he is doing well.”

Following his birth, Jayden spent the night in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for precautionary monitoring.

The team say he is progressing “very well under the care of the specialist neonatal staff.

The couple only settled on the name Jayden shortly before he was born.

His arrival continues a pattern of surprises for the family – after initially being told they were expecting a baby girl at their first scan, a later scan revealed they were in fact having a baby boy.

Now, nine weeks early and “already full of character”, Jayden has plenty of loved ones eager to meet him.

Cliff added: “We have lots of family and friends waiting at home to meet this special little boy.”

Claire Booth, Sister in NICU at The QEH, said: “What better way to start the new year than with the arrival of New Year’s Day babies.

“Happy New Year from all of the midwives, support workers, and doctors at The QEH.”