The new year was only a few hours old when the first babies of 2017 were born at the Countess of Chester Hospital .

While revellers partied across the city, midwives at the Countess were busy welcoming two new bundles of joy into the world.

Nancy Faith Mitchell was born at 3.40am, weighing 8lb 1oz, to parents Alison and Phillip of Chester .

Nan Barbara Thornton was quick to wish the couple well, saying on Facebook: "Well done Philly and Ali on the birth of our newest granddaughter."

Baby Emilia Harrison born at the Countess of Chester at 5.04am on New Year's Day weighing 7lb 9oz to the delight of parents Sarah Harrison and James Andrews, of Chester. They are pictured with midwife Lesley
Baby Emilia Harrison born at the Countess of Chester at 5.04am on New Year's Day weighing 7lb 9oz to the delight of parents Sarah Harrison and James Andrews, of Chester. They are pictured with midwife Lesley

Just an hour or so after Nancy was born, along came another new arrival.

Emilia Harrison born at 5.04am weighing 7lb 9oz to the delight of parents Sarah Harrison and James Andrews, of Chester.

Midwives from the Countess of Chester getting ready for the New Year's Day arrivals
Midwives from the Countess of Chester getting ready for the New Year's Day arrivals