THEY are the babies that have bought Christmas joy to families in Hampshire.

• Christmas Babies 2015 - in pictures >>

The Princess Anne Hospital had a total of 12 babies born into the world on Christmas Day and one baby born at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

The first newborn Princess Anne was Zoe Olivia Wyeth, who weighed 11 pounds and two ounces.

Mum Wendy, 33, and her husband Simon Wyeth, 32, from Eastleigh were overwhelmed and surprised as it happened nearly two weeks after the due date on December 12.

Simon who works as a police officer said he would have been on duty on Christmas Day had it not been for the birth.

Mrs Wyeth said: “We were not expecting a Christmas baby. It feels like a bit of a shock to say the least, but we are absolutely ecstatic.”

The couple praised midwives and staff at the hospital who ensured everything went smoothly.

Mrs Wyeth added: “We want to say a big thank you to the midwives, it has been fantastic and we could not wish for a better service. We have been really well looked after, especially as Zoe is such a big baby.”

Little Evie May Close who weighed seven pounds and one ounce was also welcomed into the world at the hospital.

Proud parents Lynsey and Jason Close, both 38 from Maybush in Southampton were delighted to see Evie’s first smile.

Lynsey who works as an account manager, said: “She was due on the 22nd, so it was a bit of a surprise but quite a lovely one really.”

The pair are looking forward to introducing little Evie to her sister Faith.

Charlotte Curtis, 30, from Sholing was smiling from to ear to ear as she held her newborn son Ryan who weighed seven pounds and seven ounces.

Charlotte and her husband Barry felt overjoyed at their festive arrival, who will be their second child.

Mrs Curtis, said: “We thought it might end up being Christmas Day. As it came closer and closer we thought it would be induced.

“It was quite a long Christmas Eve but it is lovely, I am just excited and looking forward to getting home so he can meet his sister Eloise properly.

“We did not know we were having a boy so it is a nice surprise.”

Operational Co-ordinator at Princess Anne, Jackie Rogers, 51, said Christmas is a special time of year for midwives and families.

Jackie, said: “It is very special a baby is special but we try to make it a very special experience for Christmas mum’s and babies.

“It is a very emotional time of year for lots of families for different reasons and having a baby at Christmas just makes it very magical.”