IT HAS been 20 years since these newborns made history as the first Southampton arrivals of the 21st century.

The Daily Echo captured the beautiful moment when Chloe Hewer and Chanelle Jehan were first born into the world on January 1 2000.

Two decades later, they have now told how they grew up during the first part of the millenium.

Chloe moved out of home to live with her boyfriend James in Lockerley, Romsey, almost a year ago.

This took place after she found her steps in the education system as a special needs teaching assistant.

Chloe said: “I studied my GCSEs at The Mountbatten School, which went really well.

"Then, I went to Barton Peveril College and got an A in psychology, B in sociology and a C in biology.”

Chloe works at The Cedar School while studying a part-time open university psychology degree.

She added: “I eventually want to go onto teaching special needs children in a primary school.

“I’ve been living with my boyfriend James for nearly a year now and I love it.”

Chloe’s dad and local authority worker Mark, 43, said: “Chloe is a strong and independent individual, with clear morals and will challenge injustices.

"She has a great sense of humour and a varied taste in music, including sharing my love of Meatloaf [singer]."

"I am most proud that Chloe is so caring, both towards her family and also in her career choice working with children.

"She genuinely cares for those she is supporting and strives to make a difference to their lives.”

Another millennium-born New Year’s Day baby is Chanelle, who is now a mother to two-year-old daughter Ameliah.

Chanelle spends each working day on the oncology ward at Southampton Hospital.

Her mother Melanie, 41, said: “Chanelle has done really well and is now a ward nurse at the hospital.

"It has been fabulous to see her go through so much to where she is now.

“She is now engaged and is learning to drive as her partner works evenings.

"So, that means she will be able to pick up and take the little one to school.”

Previously, Chanelle was a cleaner, and she is now living with her fiancée and daughter.

She hopes to start a career in the recruitment and employment industry in the future.

Melanie, who is a care worker from Lordshill, added: “Chanelle has always been really independent.

"She is upfront and has no filter. I couldn’t be any prouder of her.”