The first babies were born this week at Lister Hospital’s new state-of-the-art maternity unit.

Very first into the arms of midwives at the Stevenage site was Cade Roberts, born on Monday night, just hours after the �16.4m unit opened.

Mum Janet Brooks, 34, said the experience of giving birth to her six pounds five ounce baby boy was “fabulous”.

“We had our own room and it was very spacious. It was midwife-led. They were very much in control of what they are doing. It’s really nice. I don’t know if I got lucky but I had a team of midwives to myself. They were so experienced and confident.”

Janet was back at home in Broadwater, Stevenage on Tuesday morning with partner Andy, 44 and Cade’s “very excited” sisters, Kaya, aged four and Taryn, three.