NEWPORT may be celebrating its decade of city status today, but there is one girl who has another reason to celebrate.

Lauren-Jay Peaple will celebrate her tenth birthday after being born in Newport on the day it was declared a city.

The ten-year-old was due on March 17 but was born three days early at the Royal Gwent Hospital at 1.55pm, weighing 6lb 12oz.

Parents Katie and Stephen Peaple were living in Cross Keys at the time but now live in Ebbw Vale.

Mrs Peaple said: “I remember them telling us that day that Newport was going to be a city.”

Lauren-Jay, who now has a younger brother called Jenson, wants to be a swimming instructor or a vet when she grows up.

The Glyncoed Primary School pupil is a big JLS fan and has received tickets for her birthday to see the band perform next month.

The family will be celebrating Lauren-Jay’s birthday with a meal tonight.