IT was a New Year’s Day with a difference for the parents of the first babies born in 2014 at York Hospital.

Among the happy parents at the hospital’s maternity ward yesterday were Aimee Lund, 19, and Jack Henstock, 21, from Acomb, who welcomed their first baby, Jacob, into the world.

Born a healthy 7lbs 9oz after an almost 17-hour labour, the couple said they thought their son would be born on New Year’s Day despite a due date of January 10.

Hotel supervisor Jack, who was there alongside Aimee’s aunt Lisa and mum Clare, said he was very proud of Aimee and their son.

Aimee said: “It all went well. They all said it was a textbook labour.”

The couple said they hoped their son would grow up to be healthy and happy.

Minutes before Jacob was born, Rachel Andrews and her husband Barry, both 32, of Sheriff Hutton, had their son Henry William at 3am – the first baby to be born at York Hospital in the New Year.

It was a lengthy process for proud mum Rachel, who had gone into labour more than 24 hours before.

She said: “I can’t believe he was the first one. We want him to grow up fit and healthy.”

By lunchtime yesterday, five New Year’s Day babies had been born at the hospital – four boys and one girl.