NINE leap year babies were born at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Saturday February 29.

Among them was Harmony Sofia Tomes, born at 4.40am, to Gemma Newell, 39, and Martin Tomes, 40, from Evesham.

Ms Newell, who has two other children, said: “She was born five weeks and one day early. I had an issue with my placenta - it was in a weird position and caused a bleed, so I was rushed in to the hospital on Friday at 1pm and admitted to the ward so the medical staff could keep an eye on me.

“I’m just so pleased she’s doing well and a good weight at five pounds. She doesn’t need any oxygen and the incubator she is sleeping in is to keep her warm.

“I’m looking forward to us going home – I miss my own bed, a hospital bed just doesn’t feel the same.”

She added: “We’ve decided to celebrate her birthday on March 1 – it would be cruel to only celebrate her birthday every four years but we will know her real birthday makes her extra special.”

Around the world, about five million babies are born on February 29 when the date comes around every four years.