The Observer reported last year how Antony, Charlie and Thomas Maynard beat odds of one in 2.5 million just by being born.

And proud mum, Karen Styles, 37, of Brookview, Copthorne, who has multiple sclerosis, reckons that 12 months on, she wouldn't change a thing.

She said: "This year has gone so quick I must admit. I look at the photos and they were so small. I wouldn't change anything, I love being a mum and I can't imagine it without them."

The identical tots are extremely rare because they were conceived naturally and most triplets only have an identical pair with the non-identical triplet known as a 'fraternal' twin.

The babies were born at 32 weeks with tiny Thomas weighing in at just 3lbs 2oz.

Karen said: "If you don't take any notice of him he shouts at you. He may be the smallest but he's definitely the loudest!"

Full story and pictures in this week's Observer