TWO Droitwich Spa couples marked the start of 2013 with new additions to their families.

Newborn Robyn Haines was the first to be born at Worcestershire Royal Hospital this year. She made her way into the world at 12.15am on January 1 to be greeted by delighted parents Shanna and Gareth Haines.

The excited dad called his parents Darrel and Anita Haines to share the good news and the proud grandparents, who run the Speed The Plough pub in Tibberton, near Droitwich, gave new year revellers a free drink in celebration.

Robyn tipped the scales at 7lb 8.5oz and will join big brother Dylan, aged three, at the family home in Burrish Street, Droitwich.

Mrs Haines, 33, said: “It is definitely a great start to the new year.

“I can remember hearing the chime of the bells and I thought right, let’s beat everyone else.

“We were just lucky that she decided to come out at that particular time.”

The couple had planned to toast the new year at the pub but Mrs Haines ended up needing to be induced after her waters broke but she did not start contracting. Robyn was born after a reasonably quick three-hour labour.

Mr Haines said: “I called my parents and spoke to everyone and could hear the cheers in the background.

“It’s a nice local where everyone knows our family and they were all interested in the birth.”

Also bringing in the new year with an extra special delivery was Samantha Boswell, of Shepherds Close, Droitwich.

After a labour which began at 9.30am on New Year’s Eve, she and partner Glyn Lloyd finally met baby Jack Lloyd at 5.18am on New Year’s Day.

Jack weighed in at 7lb 4oz and is the little brother of Jamie, 16, and Chloe, 15.

Miss Boswell said: “It is only beginning to dawn on me that he was born on New Year’s Day, we were just very excited to meet him.

“I had no anticipation about when he would arrive to be honest and now he is here it is a little bit surreal after all these years.”

Worcestershire Royal Hospital delivery suite ward manager Pam Jones said the hospital had three births before 5am on January 1.

“It has been lovely to be here to see all the new year babies,” she said.