FIREWORKS were among some of the first sounds Colchester’s New Year’s babies heard while their mothers gave birth.

Ten baby boys were delivered at Colchester General Hospital with the first, Jake Marshall, born at 12.31am.

His birth, which was three days overdue, was made all the more special by fireworks popping in the background, dad Ryan, 38, said.

Jake, weighing 6lbs 9oz, is the fourth boy in his Clacton family.

Mum Emma, 27, said: “Everyone told me he was going to be a big baby so we were gobsmacked when Jake was born as we expected anything between nine and ten pounds.”

"All my other three children were weighty and because I got to full term with Jake, I thought he was going to be quite big.

"We were all surprised."

Gazette:

Peaceful Jake was much smaller than his mum expected

The couple cannot wait to take Jake home to brothers Charlie, 14, and Oscar Wrigley, nine, and Zach Marshall, 20-months-old.

Boaz Pancaldi-Loxley, who was nearly two weeks early, is the first for parents Charity and Seven, of Earls Colne.

He arrived at 9.15am, weighing 8lbs 11oz, following a speedy labour.

Charity, 25, said: “My labour was a dream. It was an hour from coming into the delivery room to giving birth.

“Boaz was due on January 13, but the little one was being a bit quiet so I had to be induced.”

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Minister Seven is a proud first-time dad

His biblical name, which means God redeems, was inspired by dad, Seven, 27, who is a minister.

Charity added: “2017 was a problematic year and we both wanted a name with meaning.

“This is a gift which redeems.

“I was pushing to have Boaz on New Year’s Eve but that being said, it’s nice he’s born on a bank holiday as it means we’ll always be together to celebrate.”

Susannah and Paul Vinters’ 10lb 10oz son does not yet have a name but brother Jacob, three, had a sixth sense about the gender.

Gazette:

Susannah Vinters and husband Paul, both 34, with their second son

Mrs Vinters, of Stanway, said: “I phoned home to tell him we’d had a boy and his reply was, ‘I already knew that.’

“He wanted a brother so he’s really excited.”

Paul, 34, added: “Susannah went into labour on the Big Ben chimes. We were watching the fireworks on TV when it started.”

Congratulations also to Liudmyla Zelenetska who delivered the hospital's baby number two, Mark Cheskyi, at 12.55am.

The birth lasted just about an hour and dad Andrii Cheskyi was right by her side.

Lucas Foster was one of the last babies at 11.30pm, giving mum Shona a shock three weeks early.

Dad Jordan said: "He took us by surprise to show his face and be nosey on a day to remember.

"Shona lost her dad 12 years ago on New Year’s Eve so Lucas coming on New Year’s Day and early seems almost fate like as it has brightened this time of year."