PROUD parents Catherine and Matthew Hendy, from Lizard village, had an extra special Christmas present this year - their baby son, Thomas, who was born at 6.46pm on December 25.

Catherine and Matthew, both 29, were just sitting down to roast turkey and all the trimmings at home when Thomas, who was due on December 23, decided it was about time to put in an appearance. The couple went straight to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, in Truro, where the baby, weighing in at just over 7lb 5oz, was delivered several hours later. Mother and baby left hospital the following evening. Catherine, who described her son as "the best present ever", thanked all the staff at the Princess Alexandra Maternity Ward for their help and support. Thomas is the first child for Catherine, a teacher at Halwin School, Porkellis, and Matthew, a farmer who works at Hayle.