These are the first pictures of the quads born at Southend Hospital.

Proud dad Del Roffey, 29, of Sedgemore, Shoebury, said today the babies were progressing well and two of them had been moved out of intensive care into the high dependency care unit.

Staff at Southend Hospital swung into action when the four babies - Olivia, Greg, Brooke and Madeleine - were born prematurely. They are the first quads to be born at the hospital.

Consultant John Ward delivered the babies by Caesarean section after mum Isabel Martin, who was 32 weeks pregnant, was rushed to hospital last Thursday.

The emergency delivery was called for after Isabel, 31, suddenly began to have strong contractions.

All the youngsters were born healthy and weighing between just under 2lb and 3lb 8oz. They are expected to stay at the hospital until the full pregnancy term is up.

The last quadruplets born in the Southend area were Caroline, Sarah, Victoria and Michael Pooley in 1982.

Special delivery - Madeleine, Greg, Olivia and Brooke

Pictures: PAUL BONNEY

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