BABY Jasper was an extra special addition to the McNiven family in Tullibody, being the first baby from Clackmannanshire born in 2019.

The tot arrived into the world at 11.07am on Monday, January 7, weighing a healthy 7lbs 14ozs.

Jasper is the fourth child of Katrina McNiven, 28, and her fiancé Kris, 31 – who have been together for four and a half years.

He joins brother Jensen, 3, sister Jorgiana, 16-months, and half brother Adam, 7.

When speaking to the Advertiser about the surprise news, Katrina said: "I really didn't expect it with him being born on January 7, but it was good to get some nice news to start off the New Year."

That surprise was shared by partner Kris, who said: "We found out on Wednesday, and I was pretty surprised by it actually.

"I thought there would have been more people born by then.

"But it was a nice surprise, definitely."

When asked if they have any plans for any more children, Katrina laughed and joked: "I think we've got enough to keep us busy for now."

Health chiefs say that it is quite unusual for the first Wee County baby to arrive so late in the month, especially when there was no Christmas baby either.

However, Robbie Duffy, acting general manager for the women and children's Directorate at NHS Forth Valley, is confident the bundle of joy was "worth the wait".

He said: "It's not often we have to wait a week after New Year to welcome a Clackmannanshire baby into the world and we were certainly busy on New Year's day, with the first baby making an appearance at 17 minutes past the bells.

"Ironically, we delivered no Clackmannanshire babies on Christmas Day either.

"We are sure that baby Jasper was worth the wait and send our good wishes to him and his family."