Westlife star Nicky Byrne and his wife Georgina have announced the birth of their twin sons.

According to a statement released on behalf of the couple, the boys, who will be named Rocco and Jay, were born at 9.55am today.

The statement said: "Nicky and Georgina Byrne welcomed with great joy the safe arrival of their twin sons Rocco and Jay born at 9.55am this morning in the National Maternity Hospital Holles Street, Dublin 2."

"The couple would like to thank Professor Mc Auliffe and all the
wonderful staff at NMH Holles Street."

Georgina's father Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said this afternoon he is delighted about the news. Mr Ahern said he spoke to Georgina on the phone and hopes to visit her and the twins either tonight or early tomorrow morning.

Childhood sweethearts Nicky and Georgina have been married since August 2003