PARENTS celebrated the greatest Christmas gift of all...a newborn baby.

As thousands of families across the county opened presents and tucked into turkey and mince pies, others were celebrating new arrivals at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital and Banbury’s Horton Hospital.

Eleven babies were born at the JR, and two at the Horton.

The tally was slightly up on last year, when a total of 11 were born at the two hospitals.

Among the delighted parents were Jade Laforest and Ellis Bicknell, whose daughter Leila arrived 10 days early.

She was born at the JR shortly after 4.20pm weighing 5lb 15oz.

Ms Laforest, 23, from Kidlington, said: “Leila obviously wanted to make a big arrival.

“I went into labour at about 11am, so we had time to open the stockings but missed Christmas dinner.

“She was due on January 4 so, although we knew there was a chance she could be born on the big day, it was still a bit of a surprise.

“Leila obviously just wanted to make our day as special as possible.”

Ms Laforest, a children’s play worker, already has a seven-year-old daughter, Mia.

She said: “Leila is beautiful and we are delighted she has arrived safely.

“I think we’re going to have our Christmas celebrations over the next few days, which will be lovely.

“I'm sure Christmas Days are going to be extra special from now on, and there is no way people can forget her birthday!”

Abingdon parents Julian and Priya Hill were blessed with their first child on Christmas Day. Daughter Jaya was born at the JR at 10.05pm weighing 7lb 50z.

Mr Hall said: “Priya had been in labour for almost dead-on 24 hours when little Jaya was born.

“She went into labour on Christmas Eve but only came into the hospital on Christmas morning.

“It is our first child so we are absolutely over the moon. She is so beautiful and the best Christmas present we could have ever had.”