THEY are the best presents a parent could ask for.

Hampshire’s maternity wards saw a host of new arrivals on Christmas Day including one with a most fitting name – Joseph.

His proud parents carpenter Craig, 27, and Karen Peake had expected him to arrive ten days ago but after being in labour for almost two days he finally arrived by caesarean section, weighing in at 8lb 6oz at 9.24am on Christmas morning in time to meet his step brother six-yearold Tommy.

Karen, 29, a recruitment consultant from Hulton Close, Woolston, Southampton, said: “It seemed appropriate to call him Joseph as he was born on Christmas Day.

“I think there’s something magical about a baby born on Christmas Day. He was a pleasant surprise. It’s been an amazing few days.”

Joseph was one of seven babies born at Princess Ann Hospital on December 25 while there were two at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

Cillian arrived ten days late at 12.35pm by caesarean section weighing in at 7lb 3oz.

He is the second child of Oli, 35, and Siobhan Wyatt, 36, from Lymford Way, Winchester and he met his big sister 19-month-old Cora yesterday.

Siobhan said: “It’s nice that he was born on Christmas Day.

Initially I felt a bit sorry for him because of the birthday situation, but it’s nice. People won’t forget it.”

Little Adam arrived four weeks early because he wanted to spend Christmas with his proud parents Kate, 34, and Vlad Bobek, 44, a factory worker from Andover and big brother fouryear- old Michal. He was born naturally at 8.34am and weighed 6lb 6oz.

Kate said: “It was very exciting.

I wish we could have waited a bit longer but it was also our 12th wedding anniversary so it was a double celebration.

“He’s a lovely Christmas present.”