WITH the dawn of the new year, came a new chapter in the lives of a dozen families yesterday.
Among them was thrilled Samantha Liddiard who cradled her "little Chyna doll" at Cheltenham General Hospital.
The only new-born to arrive on New Year's Day at its birth centre was Samantha's first child, Chyna Beaut Edwards.
She weighed in at 7lbs 7oz at 9.17am, less than two hours after her mother was admitted there.
Samantha, 23, of Pitman Road, Monkscroft, Cheltenham, said: "I called her Chyna rather than China because I like to be different and she is my little Chyna doll.
"Having a baby on New Year's Day is a blessing. She's a very special lady.
"This is the best possible way to start the New Year.
"I couldn't wish for anything else. It's like a Christmas and New Year present all in one.
"I was convinced I was having a boy but there are all girls in my family so it isn't really a surprise."
Samantha's partner and Chyna's father, 35-year-old Karl Edwards, said: "She will always be our little beauty."
The couple are both unemployed but Samantha said she hoped to go to college this year to study either cake-making or nail care.
Over in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital's maternity centre, 11 little bundles of joy came kicking and screaming into the world while Big Ben's midnight chimes were still fresh in the memory.
One set of twins arrived and new mums and dads were beaming at the prospect of their latest adventures.
Cheltenham couple Deborah and Martyn Price became parents for the first time, to baby boy Jonathan at 3.50am. He weighed 7lbs 9oz.
"It all went better than expected," said Martyn. "It just feels exhilarating to be a dad."
Molly Reynolds arrived at 2.58am to parents Tanya May and Adam Reynolds, from Tetbury, weighing a very healthy 9lbs 13oz.
"She is just spot on," said Tanya, 24. "She's been very good and very quiet - so far."