Little Ophelia Neve born on New Year’s Day

NEWTON Poppleford’s newest resident - little Ophelia Neve Day-Kerry - was the first baby born at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in 2012.

And proud parents Emily and Christopher, of Burrow Lane, have expressed their delight at the arrival of their first child in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Emily, 25, and Christopher, 31, say having a healthy little girl was the perfect way to start the year.

Baby Ophelia arrived two-and-a-half weeks early and weighed in at 5lb 14oz when she was delivered at 3.10am on January 1.

“I couldn’t be happier, she’s perfect in every way,” said mum Emily.

Sidmothian Christopher added: “We’re absolutely beside ourselves with joy. We’re just chuffed to bits.

“To have a birthday on New Year’s Day is pretty special, I’m sure her 18th will be quite an event.

“I think it’s brilliant she was the first baby at the RDE & E in 2012, we didn’t realise at the time. I think a few ladies in other delivery rooms were trying to hold out, but it was great we took the crown.

“We knew Ophelia’s name before we even got married, but her middle name, Neve, is to mark an unforgettable New Year’s Eve for us.

“We can’t wait for the next year, its going to be amazing.”

Love blossomed for Boots Starcross store manager Christopher and Emily, who works at Sidmouth’s Fore Street branch of the store, when they met through work.

The couple wed in 2010.