The controversial birthing centre at Maidstone hospital has only seen 10 births since it opened a month ago.

Bosses are predicting there will be around 200 to 300 births this year. But the current number of deliveries would suggest an annual rate at the centre of just 120, which is below half what is expected.

The centre saw a £3 million investment after health bosses decided to shift consultant-led maternity services to the new Pembury hospital leaving just a midwifery-led birthing centre at Maidstone.

It was a move which faced huge criticism from campaigners, with many hospital users arguing babies lives could be at risk if an emergency caesarean was needed.

Gillian Duffy, head of midwifery at Maidstone Hospital said: "Although people will say that's quite a small number, we never anticipated delivering other than a absolute maximum of 500 babies and we've always said that there will be a slow and steady progression."

At an open day, more than 200 mothers-to-be and their partners got the chance to have a look around the new unit and midwife at the centre Sarah Gregson said they were blown away by what they were offering.

She added: "People with little bumps have now booked with us. For the month of October we've had about 20 bookings so we're happy with the way things are going and the care we're giving."

Despite the low number of deliveries, midwives remain committed to the centre.

Ms Duffy said: "We always knew there would be a comparatively slow start to women choosing to deliver in the birthing centre, but I have spoken to parents who have had babies delivered and they were absolutely thrilled with the experience they had."

She concluded: "We have every confidence that those numbers will grow and that we'll be able to support women making that choice as a place to have their baby."

First baby Caleb Thompson, mum Beth Thompson and dad Mark Thompson at the new Maidstone Birth Centre, pictured above.