THERE was an extra special cause for celebration over the festive period for three couples from Times Territory – as each welcomed their new arrivals on Christmas Day.

While families across the country celebrated with the traditional unwrapping of gifts and turkey dinners, the QE2 Hospital in WGC was busy delivering presents of a different kind, with a hat trick of newborns arriving on December 25.

First in line were Natasha Bowey, 27, and partner Darren Bates, 25, who welcomed baby Rocky into the world at 6.49am on December 25.

It is the Hatfield couple’s first child, and Natasha, 27, said she was delighted that her 7lbs son arrived when he did.

“When I was pregnant everyone said that I might have a Christmas baby, but I didn’t think it would happen,” said Natasha, from Wellfield Road.

“It was really nice having him on Christmas Day.

“We changed our arrangements so we had Christmas Day on Boxing Day. We had two Christmases at once.”

Later on that morning another boy was born. Bobby Impey arrived at 8.31am, weighing 8lbs 7on.

Bobby’s had been due on January 6, and his early arrival forced mum Sophie Rider and dad Chris Impey to postpone their planned family get-together.

Instead the couple, already parents to two-year-old George, celebrated last week, with baby Bobby in tow.

Sophie, 25, said: “He’s fine, and George is very excited. He’s over the moon with his little brother.”

Meanwhile Claire and Grahame Dixon had the honour of becoming proud parents of the only baby girl born on Christmas Day 2010, when daughter Daisy Rae arrived.

As if sharing your birthday with Christmas wasn’t enough, the births have taken on an additional significance this year, as they are likely to be the last Christmas Day babies born at WGC’s QE2 - before the maternity ward is shut down and the service is moved to the Lister Hospital in Stevenage.