HAPPY birthday – and happy new year – to bundle of joy Roman Smith, one of the first babies born in Hereford in 2021.

He was delivered by midwives at Hereford County Hospital at 4.21am on January 1.

He is pictured with his mum and dad, Rachel and Rowley Smith, of Stoke Prior, near Leominster, who were taken by surprise by his arrival 17 days early.

Maria Pearman, in-patient matron maternity services at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “It’s a wonderful start to the new year to celebrate the arrival of the first babies to be born at Hereford County Hospital for 2021, with five babies born on New Year’s Day.

“To be part of bringing a new life into the world is a privilege and our midwives with the proud parents were delighted to mark the arrival of the first baby boy, Roman, followed by the arrival of two baby boys and two baby girls.

“Our community midwifery and health visiting teams continue to provide specialist support when parents and their baby return home, through personalised care to help, support and advice all of our families.”