The New Year brought new arrivals for the Ramsey family.

Sooty, Snowball, Freddy and Millie arrived unexpectedly as owners Alison, Duncan and their son David, eight, welcomed in the new century at the pub.

The family arrived home in the early hours to find their guinea pig, six-month old Chocolate, had been busy.

Alison, of Upland Road, Billericay, said: "They weren't due until January 3 but it looks like the bangs from the new year fireworks may have started Chocolate's labour.

"We always take pets in on bonfire night but it didn't occur to us that we should have done the same on New Year's Eve until we were on our way home."

Chocolate gave birth to five babies - one of which was unfortunately still- born. Alison added: "They are all different colours. Chocolate didn't seem very interested in them to start with - but she's OK now."

The proud mum and her four pups are now happily living in their outdoor cage.

Emma Nutbrown, spokeswoman for the RSPCA, said this New Year's Eve had been particularly difficult for some animals.

She said: "We do issue warnings about the consequences of fireworks.

"We recommend people who have sensitive animals like guinea pigs keep them indoors and put on a distracting noise such as a television.

"There have been a number of problems related to fireworks over this new year including a large number of stray dogs frightened by the noise."

21st century litter - David and Alison with Sooty, Snowball, Freddy and Millie

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.