A couple from Cobham are part of St Peter’s Hospital history, after becoming the first parents to use its new birth centre.

Debbie Weldon and Craig Allan welcomed daughter Evie Olivia Allan into the world on Tuesday, May 6 at 1.39pm, weighing 7lb 2oz.

The couple chose to use the Abbey birth centre at the Chertsey hospital, which was purpose-built to provide a relaxing environment where women who have uncomplicated pregnancies can give birth in a less clinical setting.

Ms Weldon said: “It’s been a fantastic experience the midwives have been brilliant, we couldn’t fault it.

“The facilities are superb, we’ve felt extremely welcomed throughout our whole stay and the environment has been perfect, very calming and peaceful.”

Situated next to the existing maternity unit, the centre has four en-suite birthing rooms, three with pool facilities and extra touches including iPod docking stations.