FIRST-time mum Catherine Harrison welcomed in the New Year with one of the first babies of 2012 to be born.

Catherine, 23, from Bridport, gave birth to baby George William Murphy just after 6am on January 1 at the Dorset County Hospital’s maternity ward.

Laura Washington, from Bridport, also welcomed Liam John Washington into the world on New Year’s Day.

George and Liam were among seven babies born at Dorset County Hospital on January 1.

Catherine said: “The midwives were amazing and really supportive, which is especially nice when it’s your first baby.

“George was due on December 30 and I actually went into labour then, so it seemed like a long time coming. It seemed like even longer when it was happening. But he is absolutely gorgeous.

“I went into the water bath for a while until he was ready to be delivered.”

She added: “My partner Tom and my twin sister Laura were my birthing partners and they’ve gone home for a well-deserved rest.”

The bundle of joy weighed seven pounds and four ounces and was receiving lots of cuddles from grandmother Marilyn Harrison.

She said: “He is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen.

“He’s very alert and is looking all around. He seems very well behaved at the moment so hopefully that will continue.”

Laura and husband Adam welcomed Liam into the world at 2.14pm.

He weighed seven pounds and eight ounces and arrived five days early.

Laura, 23, said: “Liam has got dark hair and very cute little cheeks.”

Adam, 29, said his daughter Molly, aged eight, will enjoy playing big sister to her half-brother.

He added: “I’m extremely happy that both Laura and Liam are happy and safe. It’s a great start to the New Year.”

The couple, from Alexandra Road, were having a New Year’s Eve gathering at home when Laura’s waters broke.

Adam said: “We had to disperse everyone. We were in hospital by 1am and 13 hours later our baby boy was born.

“All the staff at DCH were really good and we’d particularly like to thank the midwife Sophie Wilson.

“We’d also like to thank Laura’s parents Simon and Jane Hipkin who were at the hospital with us, and my parents Carol and Brian Washington who run the Woodman Inn in Bridport.”