SANTA left seven little bundles of joy at the Great Western Hospital this Christmas.

The newborn Christmas miracles, delivered on the hospital’s maternity ward, added an extra sprinkling of magic to the festive period.

Hospital staff worked tirelessly to ensure each delivery went without a hitch before doting parents were able to unwrap their treasured gifts on Christmas Day.

“I feel fine – though I’m absolutely shattered,” said 38-year-old mum Roxanne Smith.

“It’s certainly a different way to spend Christmas Day.”

Roxanne, who lives in Lechlade and spent five hours in labour, is yet to name her newborn.

“We haven’t decided yet, but we have a list,” she said.

Sitting in the adjacent bed, Lynette Laycock, 36, from West Swindon, gave birth to Chloe five weeks early.

Nursing her precious infant on her chest, a proud Lynette said: “She wasn’t due yet, but she decided to come on Christmas Day – I don’t think she wanted to miss out on any presents.”

Tragically, Lynette lost a baby eight years ago.

“I’m so relieved that she’s here – she’s the best Christmas present ever.”

When reminded that she will from now on have to plan birthday celebrations alongside the Christmas party, she said: “I think we will have to open Christmas presents on Christmas Day and birthday presents on Boxing Day.”

In a room down the hall, the Packwood family were celebrating the arrival of their first child, Ralph.

Dad Keith, 31, held his son in his arms as he sat by the window, and Ralph, clearly a star in the making, was more than happy to strike a pose for the Adver photographer.

Mum Zoe, 29, said: “I am very tired. He was a surprise arrival as he wasn’t due until mid-January, but we are both very glad he’s here.”

The trio will head home tomorrow and await the influx of family and friends hoping to catch a glimpse of the adorable new arrival.

And after the delivery of little Martha, who was 15 days overdue, Henrietta Branston, 33, and partner Paul Lund, 30, were two of the proudest parents on the whole ward.

“I feel fantastic,” said Henrietta.

“We’ve been in for a few days waiting for her to come and she’s finally here. With her birthday being on Christmas Day, we will probably give her an extra birthday celebration in the summer – like the Queen.”

Altogether, seven babies were born at the GWH on Christmas Day. All were healthy and should be able to head home within the next couple of days.