Proud parents Louise Marcroft and Daniel Isler celebrate birth of daughter Leona on Christmas Day

Louise Marcroft and Daniel Isler with daughters Dion-Rose and new-born Leona Joy

Louise Marcroft and Daniel Isler received the perfect Christmas present when their daughter, Leona Joy Isler, was born three days after her due date to arrive during the early hours of Christmas Day.

Her name, ‘a noel’ written backwards, was chosen by Daniel’s mum, Rose.

Louise explained: “The date definitely influenced her name: I never thought we’d use a Christmas name, so it’s backwards so it’s not as obvious.”

Louise went into labour on Christmas Eve and gave birth to Leona at Royal Oldham Hospital at 2.16am on Christmas Day. Leona was delivered by Pauline Sherry from Heywood, weighing a healthy 7lb 6.5oz.

Louise said: “We are grateful to Pauline and wish to say thank you.

“Leona is settling in really nicely and her big sister Dion-Rose, who is five, loves her very much and takes great care of her.”