A WORKINGTON couple had a special start to 2019 as they welcomed their newborn baby into the world.

Thomas Joseph was born to proud parents, Sarah and Terry McGowan, both 36, on New Year’s Day

He was among the first to arrive at the West Cumberland Hospital’s maternity unit in the new year.

Thomas had been due on January 4 but arrived three days early at 8:18pm, weighing a healthy 9lb 7 and a half oz.

His beaming mother said: “He was the second to be born. I thought there would have been more. I was surprised he was the second one.”

Mrs McGowan was admitted to hospital on December 30 and labour was induced. Her waters were broken in the morning of New Year’s Day.

“The birth was fine. It was pretty straightforward,” she said.

“Once it started happening, it was fairly quick and straightforward especially considering his size!”

The couple said their baby boy had been very “content” since he arrived into the world.

“With his birthday, I’m sure there will be a few he’ll sleep through,” Mr McGowan laughed.

Thomas is a welcome little brother for the couple’s six-year-old son, James.

“He’s besotted with him,” Mrs McGowan said. “He wasn’t sure at first but he came to see him here after he was born and gave him his George the pig.”

Mrs McGowan added that they were looking forward to going home as a family of four.