Every birth is a special moment, but the arrival of little Nylah Jenna Peerbux on Friday was a cause for particular celebration.

Born at 5.20pm, and weighing in at 6lbs 8oz, she was the 1000th baby to be born at Maidstone Birth Centre.

Her family - mum Emma, dad Shafick and 20-month-old sister Aaliyah - are thrilled with their new arrival.

Emma, from Maidstone, said: “Everyone at the Birth Centre was lovely, they looked after us all so well and it was a really nice experience.”

The midwife-led, state-of-the-art Birth Centre at Maidstone Hospital opened in 2011 and doubled the predicted number of births in its first year alone.

Consultant midwife, Sarah Gregson said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Nylah as our one thousandth baby to be born at the Birth Centre.

“It is fantastic that parents from across the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells areas, and everywhere in between, are still so keen to use the Birth Centre, and we believe the fact that we have already had 1000 babies born here is testament to our fantastic staff and facilities, as well as warm and the welcoming environment.”

She added: “Outcomes at the Birth Centre are very good. The vast majority of mums who come here to give birth do deliver here but, of course, if there is ever a problem we transfer at the first opportunity to ensure we protect the wellbeing of both mum and baby.

“Approximately one in three first-time mums will require a transfer in labour, the most common reason being that labour is a little slow. For second- time mums the transfer rate is much lower at around one in 14.”

“We have had a lot of wonderful feedback from the parents of the babies born here and we are all extremely proud of the Birth Centre and its reputation. We look forward to the next 1000 babies!”