Birthday boy Samuel Holloway was lucky enough to celebrate turning 12 on the 12th day of the 12th month of 2012 today.

The John of Gaunt school pupil realised he was going to celebrate his twelfth birthday on such a significant date earlier in the year, but said that despite the unique occasion, it was still a relatively normal birthday.

Samuel, who received a new bike as one of his presents, said that while his friends thought it was cool to have his twelfth birthday on such a unique day, it ended up being a usual school day.

He said: “It has been a fun day and my friends thought it was cool to have my 12th birthday on the 12th day of the 12th month of 2012.

“I realised that my 12th birthday would be on this date earlier in the year and I thought it was pretty cool. But as it fell on a school day it was quite normal.

“I was not treated any differently because of the date, but I’m looking forward to going out this evening with my family.”

Mother Helen Holloway, of Lamplighters Walk, Trowbridge, said she realised a few months ago that her son would be celebrating his 12th birthday on the 12th day of the 12th month of 2012.

She said: “I realised a little while ago that Samuel’s twelfth birthday fell on such an unusual date and it is a unique day to turn twelve.

“It has been a usual day for him apart from the date, though, as he had to go to school. “I am sure we will do something at the weekend as well to celebrate properly, but having his birthday on such a strange day will certainly make it memorable.”

Samuel was not the only person in Trowbridge celebrating something on this unique date, either.

A Trowbridge couple also took advantage of the unusual date today by getting married at Trowbridge Register Office at noon on the 12th day of the 12th month of 2012.

Christine Batstone, 52, married Jim O’Doherty, 61, at the service after light-heartedly suggesting it to her long-term fiancée in August.

She arrived at the registry office in an 18th Century replica horse drawn carriage pulled by horses from Bramble Farm – a surprise organised by her new husband.

Mrs O’Doherty said: “This year has been really special with the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee so we decided to round off the year by having our special day on a very unique date.”

The couple, who live in Wyke Road, had their reception meal with family and friends in the Red Admiral, in Paxcroft Mead.

Mr O’Doherty said: “I’m really impressed that we chose to get married on this date, as it doesn’t come around very often and it is a once-in-a-lifetime day and everything has gone fantastically well.”