Finlay Lawrence swam into the world on Christmas Day when his parents opted for an unconventional way of giving birth.

His mum Jennifer decided to have her child in a birthing pool surrounded by her family at her home in Brighton.

Finlay was delivered by his dad Stephen Lawrence, who described the it as "the most incredible moment of my life."

Mr Lawrence, of The Avenue, said: "The birth was a real family event. I was in the pool and delivered Finlay and my son Brook, 12, was chief filmer and got it on video.

"After the birth the baby had a little swim around, then a feed and then he fell asleep."

A midwife had been on hand to help with the birth of Finlay, who arrived at 6.13pm weighing 7lb 8oz.

Mr Lawrence said: "It was the most beautiful Christmas present we could have asked for."

In Eastbourne, Marvela Horthy surprised her parents by arriving on Christmas Day.

Stewart and Merna Horthy were not expecting their daughter to make an appearance until January 17.

Mr Horthy, from Uckfield, said: "We haven't even bought a cot get. We need lots of baby things as this is our first child so I'll have to go shopping as soon as possible."

Marvela was born at 3.38am, weighing 6lb 1oz.

Also in Eastbourne, Priscilla Freeman gave birth to Henry at 7am.

Mrs Freeman said her son, who weighed 6lb 10oz, would get to meet his three brothers, Oliver, 15, Myles, 13, and Callum, 12, and sister, Amelia, two, when she took him home to Herstmonceux, near Hailsham, later this week.

Mrs Freeman said: "I'm looking forward to getting him home. My family are going to wait until we got back so we could all have Christmas dinner together."

Charlene Brennan and husband Jason are celebrating the birth of a son.

Marshall, weighing 6lb 11oz, arrived at 7.30am on Christmas Day.

Mr Brennan, of Friday Street, Eastbourne, said: "We're really happy and hope to have all the family over to celebrate."

Sean Baker also gave his mother an early Christmas gift - the 5lb 7oz tot was not due until January 15.

His mother Anna was taken into the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, at about 2.30am on December 25.

Mrs Baker, 31, and of Arundel Road, Peacehaven, said: "I was asleep at home at 2am and by 4am Sean had been born.

It was all very fast and a bit of a surprise as he was three weeks early."

Alison Wheeler and her husband Ashley were also celebrating the birth of their son Charlie in Brighton.

Mrs Wheeler, of Waterloo Place, Lewes, endured 29 hours of labour before Charlie was born at 9.10am weighing 8lb 1oz.

She said: "I didn't expect it to be so long but it was worth it."

In Mid Sussex, Rachel Melling was born at The Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath.

Her mother Sarah, from Burgess Hill, gave birth to the 7lb 15oz baby at 3.25am.

In Worthing, Kate Crees welcomed her son into the world on Christmas morning. Baby William was born at 7.44am, weighing 9lb.

Mrs Crees, who spent Christmas Day and Boxing Day in Worthing Hospital, said: "It was such a relief when he finally arrived.

"Even though I had to eat my Christmas dinner in hospital and I'm very tired, it has been worth it."