THIS year will be remembered as the time when we all faced lockdown restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic – but 2020 is of added significance to a host of parents across south Essex.

These bundles of joy have brought a ray of sunshine to their families in these difficult times, having been born since the initial Covid-19 outbreak.

We have been asking you to send photos of your newborns – and you did not disappoint.

We would love to see more of your babies during lockdown and you can get involved by completing our online form.

Scroll down to see just some of south Essex's little bundles of joy.

Echo:

Always smiling - Isla Elsie Pearl came into the world a week before her due date and weighed 7lbs 3oz, filling parents Eliza Den and George Pearl with joy

Echo:

Bringing joy to the family - Reya Vyas Shah was born on May 7 at Basildon Hospital

Echo:

Cuddle - Noah-Ernest Drumm was born just 20 minutes after mum Bethany Drumm was rushed through the Southend Hospital doors on September 10

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Echo:

Moments after being born - Annabelle Nicole Hurd was born on July 6, meaning she shares her birthday with her brother

Echo:

Brothers in arms - Teddy Hodby meets four-year-old brother Harry after being born at Southend Hospital