Kingston has welcomed its first baby of 2017 – a 3.5lbs boy from Surbiton.

Louis Dimidius Alexander-Ridpath became the first child to be registered at the Kingston Registry Office this morning.

Born on Wednesday, December 7, Louis was born about one month premature and is still yet to pass his due date.

Proud mother Rachel Sarah Alexander said: “It's been a difficult pregnancy, so today feels really emotional - happy emotional.

“To have Louis here, and being so well, is lovely. He was blissfully unaware throughout.”

Last year, Kingston Council recorded the births of about 6,000 babies from Kingston Hospital. 

Registrar Anne Bentley said: "It's lovely to share such a special moment with parents, it's such a memorable part of those first few weeks.

“I'm so lucky - I find my job extremely rewarding and this is a great way to start the new year."