PARENTS from all over Gwent had a Christmas Day they will never forget as they welcomed new additions to their families.

Royal Gwent Hospital's maternity department delivered eight babies on Christmas Day.

The first born was Travis Ryan Cook, who made his appearance at 12.16am.

Jordan Jones, 24, and Adam Cook, 27, who are Travis' parents, said they were "over the moon".

Miss Jones said: "I'm feeling very emotional at the moment because there's a lot to take in.

"Travis weighs just over 7lbs.

"Now we want to go back to our home in Cwmbran and just give him the love he needs.

"I'd also like to thank the nurses and staff, who were amazing."

Jack James Cronin was born at 9.53am.

His mum Gosia Cronin said: "We were given a Rudolf outfit as a gift and I think he likes it.

"He weighs 9lbs 5oz and my husband, Liam, and I are thrilled with his arrival.

"Returning to our home in Newport with him is what we're most looking forward to."

Sarah Baber, 21, welcomed her first child at 9.06pm on Christmas evening.

She said: "I have a lovely little girl called Ella Lilly Jones.

"She is 8lbs 8oz and I'm really proud of her.

"I am tired but I'm feeling really happy.

"My baby girl is the best Christmas gift I could have asked for.

"When I leave hospital I will be sleeping for the rest of the day because I'm so tired."

Another Christmas arrival at the Royal Gwent was Zachary Connor Shenton, who was delivered at 7.30pm, and weighed 7lbs 4oz.

Mum Nicola, who lives in Cwmbran and is also a nurse, said: "My husband and I are very tired but delighted with him."

His dad, Lee, a service manager, called his son "perfect".

At 2.04am on Christmas morning Charlotte Hodson also gave birth to a baby girl.

Miss Hodson, who is from Hengoed, said: "The birth of my daughter, Elouise Wood, has made me the happiest I've ever been.

"To take care of a baby is just wonderful.

"I will be giving her the best life."

Little Aliyah-Grace Payne, who weighs 6lbs 8oz, also delighted her parents, Elizabeth Jenkins and John Payne.

Miss Jenkins said: "She is my second daughter and feel really proud of her already.

"She was born quite late at 9.47pm.

"I can see that she's a daddy's girl already.

"I cannot wait to get back to Cwmbran and show her to the family.

Mr Payne added: "The nurses and staff have been wonderful to us, and giving us a present for our baby was really nice."

Meanwhile, m Stacey Eddollis, who lives in Newport, had a baby girl.

"My baby, Arwen Jean Paterson, makes me feel really proud," she said.

"I'll be coming out of here later and cannot wait to go and visit my family."

Royal Gwent midwife Lesley Ann Bushell also gave birth to a baby girl called Molly Ann at her home in Penarth.

Nevill Hall Hospital also saw two babies delivered on Christmas Day.

Joanna and Gareth Leek said they were feeling "very proud" with their son Dexter Freddie Leek, who was born at 5.54pm.

Mrs Leek said: "I couldn't have asked for anything more than I was given on Christmas Day.

"Our son weighs 6lbs.

"It's strange trying to take everything in, but everything will come together soon."

And, at 2pm on Christmas Day, Bodhi Waters, who weighs 7lbs, was born.

Dad Rhys said: "It's been surreal for us.

"One minute we were eating food then we were in hospital.

"The new addition has really shaped our Christmas."