CHRISTMAS Day was an extra-special day for several families as maternity staff at York Hospital were kept busy delivering babies.

Among five born before noon was the tiny daughter of Sonia and Ambrose Gruenfeld.

Her mother is already planning her first day at school – so the children she teaches at Slingsby Primary School can see her.

“They are really excited about her,” said Mrs Gruenfeld. “I have been told I must bring her in.”

The 33-year-old first-time mother was hoping to take her as yet unnamed baby home to Osbaldkirk near Helmsley within hours of her birth at 2.15am, weighing 7lbs and 12oz.

“It feels indescribable,” she said of motherhood. “You can’t describe that overwhelming love you have for your child, just very, very happy!

Her daughter was not expected until January 4, but the new mother sensed she would be early and she and the new father finished their festive preparations early.

Before noon on Christmas Eve, they were in York Hospital as her prediction proved right. Now mother and baby are preparing to show a class of four to six year olds the happy end of the pregnancy they have followed keenly.

Sonia and her baby were greeted by the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Julie Gunnell, who visited the hospital yesterday.