A LINDFORD couple are celebrating after their 2014 got off to a great start with a pair of new-year twins.

Zuzanna and Paul Atkinson's babies – Thomas and Emilee – arrived early on January 1 after a "long and hard" labour.

Mrs Atkinson said that after beginning an induced labour on December 31, she gave birth to Thomas at 3.55am and Emilee at 5.59am at the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital. She kept their genders under wraps until the big day, but her three-year-old daughter Sophie worked it out.

After a few nights in the post-natal ward, Mrs Atk-returned home.

Mr Atkinson works as a security guard at the Bordon Garrison and Mrs Atkinson is a carer at Lansdowne House in Lindford.