Poole 7 Bournemouth 0 There's a New Year's Day morning scoreline with a difference. For the scores tallied aren't goals, but babies.

Seven tiny teammates joined the roster at Poole Hospital's maternity unit yesterday, giving proud parents the best possible start to the new year.

But the goal drought at Dean Court seems to have spread to Castle Lane East, as midwives at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital reported a no-score draw in the maternity unit.

Little Jamie Home was the first of the new arrivals at Poole's St Mary's birthing centre, entering the world at 1am.

Colehill's newest resident wasn't due until January 12, but the 7lb 3oz youngster clearly isn't one for waiting.

George Honor was the next to make an appearance, arriving nearly 10 minutes later, and weighing a healthy 8lb 10z.

Midwives caught their breath and enjoyed a break of nearly five hours until the next new face arrived.

Marjo Algate, the ward sister, said the birth of a baby was a nice way to start the year.

"The ladies may disagree with me, but the result is lovely," joked the delivery suite co-ordinator.

Vicky Bowen joined the mothers' roster just before 6.15am. The Swanage mum gave birth to a little girl weighing 8lb 30z.

Little Olivia Clayton was next on the scene, joining proud mum, Iwona, just before 8am.

"I had a long labour, but I'm just so happy to have her," said Mrs Clayton.

The 6lb 4oz bundle is a new sister to three-year-old Thomas, who celebrates his fourth birthday next week.

Terry Bernasconi swelled the ranks of proud fathers at 8.30am. Little Laceymae weighed in at a healthy 8lb 6oz.

Stephanie Mendoza was the last of the New Year's morning mums. Daughter Rivka tipped the scales at 7lb 8oz after her 11.45am arrival.

A seventh little bundle of joy was born, but the proud parents declined any publicity.

Meanwhile, staff at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital described conditions in the maternity unit as "all quiet on the Western Front".

Midwife Sonja Cross said she was surprised at the lack of New Year births. "Maybe the mums are putting it off, and are out shopping," she joked.