A BABY boom at Darent Valley Hospital saw a record number of deliveries last month.

A record 317 babies were delivered in August, the highest number of births in the hospital's eight-year history.

Senior midwife Joanne Seymour said many expectant mothers from outside the area were choosing the hospital.

She said: "Women from as far out as Greenwich and Basildon are choosing to come here to have their babies.

"Our hospital is easy to find and is a nice, clean environment for expectant mothers."

The record saw 153 boys and 164 girls born, with the lightest baby weighing 3lbs and the heaviest weighing 10lbs 9oz.

Twins also featured in the record breaking month, with four sets being delivered.

Over the last five years there has been a steady increase in the number of deliveries in August.

In that month in 2004, 230 babies were delivered.

Last year, the figure for August stood at 300 babies.

Which leaves us wondering, why is television so bad in November?