FEBRUARY 29 only happens once every four years, and maternity nurses at the QEQM Hospital, Margate, may be counting themselves lucky it does.

The hospital experienced a leap year baby boom on Friday, with nine babies being delivered before lunchtime.

Other hospitals across east Kent had a similarly busy end to the month.

Caroline Gibbs, maternity matron at the QEQM Hospital, said: "We've had a really busy period across the area after a very quiet start to the year, with all these babies being delivered on the same day!"

While February 29 harbours some unusual traditions, with some women seizing the moment to propose to their partners, Ms Gibbs said the new mums did not intentionally pick their babies' birth dates.

She said: "One mother is actually disappointed because it is her birthday on the 29th and she gave birth the day before.

"But most of the other mothers haven't actually mentioned the fact that it is a leap year. I think they've had other considerations!"