DELIGHTED parents ushered in the new decade by welcoming their daughter into the world.

Luke Pearce, 29, and Dannielle Harrison, 29, from Ardleigh, rushed to hospital in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Like their little boy Leo, aged two, the couple’s second child arrived six days early.

Dannielle said: “It happened very quickly, my waters broke at 2am after I went to bed at 12.15am.

“We had seen in the new year with a quiet night at home as we knew the baby wouldn’t be far behind."

A healthy baby girl, weighing 7lb 4oz, was delivered shortly after 9am.

Her delighted parents were still pondering names.

Luke said: “She likes Ivy and seeing as she’s done all of the hard work this morning she can have whatever she wants.”

Dannielle added: “It just feels amazing.

“Leo’s nanny and grandad will be bringing him to meet her, mum told him his baby sister is here.

“We did know it was going to be a girl and we wanted to prepare Leo, the room is already decorated for her.”

At least four babies were born at Colchester Hospital on New Year’s Day.