OKEHAMPTON mum Claire Millership saw in the New Year in the maternity ward as she gave birth to what is believed to be the first new baby delivered in 2006 across the whole of Devon. Claire gave birth to daughter Tayla at four minutes past midnight on New Year?s Day after arriving at Okehampton Community Hospital from a family party. Tayla was born weighing 6lbs 10oz, just six minutes after her mother arrived at hospital. The arrival took Claire and partner Alan Short by surprise as she was a fortnight ahead of schedule. Claire had been at her sister?s house for a New Year?s Eve party when the drama began: ?It was a shock. My waters broke at 11pm, but I didn?t have any contractions until about 11.30pm, at which point we decided to get to the hospital.? Claire said it was lucky she had gone straight to the hospital, instead of going home to collect her bags as she had originally planned. Tayla is the second child of the couple who live at Craon Gardens, Okehampton. Their other daughter Amber is three and a half years old. Claire said Amber was looking forward to having a baby sister to play with. Claire is a full-time mum and Alan works at the Manor House Hotel. The proud parents and Amber are pictured with newborn Tayla. Pic Ian Snell