FEBRUARY 5 is getting to be a bit like Groundhog Day for a Burry Port couple, but the pair are extremely good at remembering birthdays.

Despite never discussing family planning, they have had three children born on the same day but in different years.

The first to make February 5 a day to remember for Pamela Banwell and her fiance Lee Collins was eight- year-old Jac who arrived in 2002.

Then, to their surprise, two years later Alisha claimed the same birthday.

Now the couple from Brynymor, have been left gobsmacked by six-day-old Millie notching up an against-the-odds hat-trick.

In another twist of fate, the two girls were born at identical weights, 6lbs 15oz. Pamela, aged 34, who runs a light vehicle maintenance business with 29-year-old Lee, said: "None were planned for the 5th and none were supposed to come on the 5th, but they all came on the 5th."

Pamela puts Alisha's arrival down to exerting herself at Jac's birthday party and it seems Millie was encouraged by her brother and sister's joint bash this year.

"I put Alisha down to me exerting myself over Jac's party," said Pamela.

"I tried not to have them in the same month as I wanted a break.

"I told the children they weren't going to have a party this year, but they were both disappointed so we went ahead.

"Being for the both of them, it was a big party and I was having contractions afterwards. I went home, had a bath and went to Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, where Millie was born at 22.53.

"I was told she was due on the 15th."

From now on birthdays are going to be more complicated for the family — who have a fourth child, 12-year-old Courtney, who is different — being a December baby!

"It's going to be like Christmas morning all over again, with lots of presents and an even bigger party."

The odds of such an amazing feat are up there with winning the lottery, but the happy mum said some things are more important than money.

"My sister said at the time I need to put a bet on," Pamela said. "Someone said it was a 1,000-to-one chance — if I'd put £1 on that, the money would have come in handy.

"I don't regret not doing so. If I had there would have been more pressure on me to have the baby and think more about the money than the baby's health. What's important is Millie was born safe and well and is a healthy baby."

While the couple stress they did not deliberately set out to have February babies, Pamela thinks that football may play its part.

She explained: "We worked it out that May sees the end of the football season, Lee is a big Manchester United fan. It seems he has time on his hands or is just bored, maybe with all their success he's celebrating United winning something again!"

Any hopes of achieving the quadruple appear slim with Pamela saying: "Jac has already had two sisters for his birthday and he doesn't want any more.

"He would like a brother but hopefully Millie will be the last."

geraint.thomas@swwmedia.co.uk