WEIGHING 7lb 14oz, Esther Hobbs was born at the Royal United Hospital in Bath at 2.04am on Christmas Day.

Parents Kim and Matt, who live in Frome, had been waiting patiently for their first baby and had a feeling she might arrive on Christmas Day when the pregnancy was discovered.

Dad Matt, who works as a primary school teacher, said: “It was quite funny as Kim had no idea what the time was when Esther arrived and didn’t realise it was actually Christmas Day until a few hours after.

“There had been a little bit of banter from friends who said we should call her something Christmas related like Holly, or even Jesus if it was a boy, but we liked Esther.

“Funnily enough we researched the name when we got home to discover that Esther means star in Persian, so there is a Christmas link there after all, even though it wasn’t intentional.

“We kept the gender a surprise all the way but were both delighted when we found out it was a girl, especially Kim, as that’s what she really wanted.

“My mum is also delighted it’s a girl as she has four sons and two grandsons, so a girl was definitely needed to even things up a bit.”

Mr and Mrs Hobbs met at university and married in Frome five years ago, where they now live.

They said they will leave it a few months before deciding whether or not to have a second baby.

“We had to wait a long time for Esther so we’ll wait and see if we would like another one. Perhaps we’ll know in a few months or so. Esther is a bit of a Christmas miracle in that respect,” added the 31-year-old.

“We got so used to being in hospital it’ll be strange if we have a second one and he or she isn’t born at Christmas time

“All of the staff, who were absolutely brilliant throughout, were wearing Christmas hats which was quite funny.

“We didn’t get to see much of our friends and family over Christmas so we’re going to spend the coming days doing that. They’re all looking forward to meeting Esther.

“One real benefit to Esther being born on Christmas Day was that parking at the hospital was free!”