ONE Hereford couple had a Christmas they will never forget when they welcomed a new addition to the family.

Melanie Gordon managed to open a few presents yesterday morning before partner Greg Dean accompanied her to Hereford County Hospital.

And there the Putson pair received the best gift imaginable when Melanie gave birth to a baby boy at 10.40pm.

The baby, who is yet to be named, had a due date of December 30, and the couple admitted that they had hoped to avoid a Christmas Day birth.

But, with 'baby Dean' the only Christmas Day birth at the County Hospital, it did mean that the couple who work at HR Smith had the "wonderful maternity staff" all to themselves.

Helen Price, the deputy head of midwifery and nursing, said it was a delight to celebrate the arrival of the 8lb boy with the proud parents.

“Christmas babies have a very special birthday and our baby received a knitted Christmas hat from Santa," she added.

“Our midwifery and health visiting teams are on hand to visit parents at home in the early days of their babies arrival.

“The specialist support that we offer ranges from practical breast feeding advice on the maternity ward and at home, nappy changing, bathing your baby, through to personalised care, support and advice."

One of the first visitors to see Melanie and Greg was proud grandmother, Joan Dean.

She said she would be more than happy to help out with baby care duties.

"He's the most beautiful grandson in the whole world," she added.