The first day at school is a landmark occasion for any child, but for Ruby and Daisy Black today (Monday) is extra special.

The twins were born three months early and their parents Ian Black and Natalie Baker, from Lordswood, were told to prepare for the worst.

Ruby weighed just 1lb 14oz, while her sister Daisy fared only slightly better at 2lb 3oz. The girls had to fight to survive and spent the first 12 weeks of their lives in intensive care (right).

They were so fragile, their parents could not even hold them for four weeks.

Miss Baker said: "We visited them every day. Sometimes I spent all day there because you just didn't know if you would see them again."

As they excitedly get ready to start a new chapter in their lives, grandmother Denise Baker says they are just like any other four-year-olds.

Denise, 56, said: "It was touch and go when they were born if they were going to pull through. They had to fight to stay alive. To look at them now you wouldn't know it. They are lively little girls."

Mum Natalie, 26, said: "We were told they were not going to survive, but luckily they got through it. Doctors said that they were the first twins in Medway born that prematurely to have survived in about 20 years.

"When they did survive we were told they could have all sorts of problems, so this is a really special day for us."

The pair will be pupils at Swingate Infants School, near their home in Exton Close.

Mr Black and Miss Baker thanked consultant Dr Soe and all the doctors and nurses who helped the girls.