The 39-year-old gave birth to her fourth child, Riley, more than three weeks early at 12.04am yesterday, making him Scotland's first baby of 2013.

He came in to world at Paisley's Royal Alexandra Hospital, tipping the scales at 5lb 15oz.

Angela, from Greenock, said: "I'm still in shock. He was due on January 24 but I'm just happy its all over and done with.

"It's something to tell him about when he's older."

Angela, a bank worker, was rushed to her local hospital, Inverclyde Royal, early on Monday after her blood pressure soared.

She was then transferred to the RAH for checks and was hoping to make it home for the Bells. But little Riley had other ideas.

She said: "After my waters broke. The midwife said to me, 'you are not going anywhere'."

Riley was born four hours later, with proud dad James by Angela's side.

Angela, who is also mum to Chantelle, 16, Brandon, 4 and 2-year-old Kyle, joked: "That's me finished."

First-time mum Catherine Conway, 20, and partner Michael French, 23, were also celebrating yesterday.

Little Reece checked in at 12.15 yesterday morning and was the first baby of 2013 born at Glasgow's Princess Royal Maternity Hospital, weighting 8lb 15oz.

Catherine said: "He was due on December 28, but nothing happened.

"It was a shock when I got contractions on Sunday night.

"We're very happy that he is finally here."

The first baby at Ayrshire Maternity Unit arrived at 1.05am, to proud parents Nicola Gouldstone and David Stevenson from Galston. Leon tipped the scales at 11lb 3oz, and is a brother to Brandon, 4, and 14-month-old Jayden.

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk