You only turn 12-years-old once but for one girl it is extra special as it lands on December 12, 2012.

Despite the unique sequence of turning 12 on 12/12/12, schoolgirl Serena Brugnoli of Thornton Heath, will be celebrating her birthday with a relatively normal day.

Her mum Luciana said: "She had a nice party at the weekend with family. Her actual birthday will be a normal day, she will be going to school.

"She is really amazed with it and loves the idea of being 12 on that special day."

Serena added: "It is awesome. I feel as it is a really special day, I should really celebrate it properly."