by Hayley Robinson

He may look a little older, but Samuel Rolfe will be celebrating only his second birthday today, Wednesday.

The youngster broke odds of almost 1,500 to one by coming into the world on Sunday, February 29, back in 2004.

Being born in a leap year means the youngster only gets to celebrate his actual birthday every four years.

As a result, the eight year old has celebrated his last six birthday's on March 1 - the date he should have been born.

Mum Karen, 37, of Peel Drive, Sittingbourne, is no stranger to special birthdays in her family though.

Her father, Ray Upton, 65, was born on Christmas Day and her grandmother, Doris Upton, 87, was born on Boxing Day.

She said: "I think he's just about understanding it. He's always known he's special but this time he's old enough to comprehend what a leap year is.

"I didn't want him to be leap year baby, I expected him to be on time. It didn't register what day he'd been born until the nurses knocked on the door and asked if a newspaper photographer could take a photo - so he was pretty much famous as soon as he was born. Had he been due on February 28 we'd probably celebrate his birthday then.

"When it's a leap year he has two birthdays.

"This year we're going out for dinner with his grandparents - Samuel will probably decide where on the night. Then on March 1 he's got Beavers."

The Year 3 Lansdowne Primary School pupil wrote about his special birthday for his 'surprise me' piece of homework which was set during half-term.

"His efforts led to him winning the head teacher's award when he returned to school last Monday.

He said: "I wrote some facts about when I was born and about the leap year. I found it interesting. My teacher said it was excellent. I like having two birthdays because it means I get more presents and I get to have two parties.

"I'm going to take doughnuts to Beavers and sweets in to school on my actual birthday."

February 29 is traditionally a day when women can propose marriage. If you know of someone who got engaged, call 01795 580300 or email sittingbourne@thekmgroup.co.uk