by Gerry Warren

gwarren@thekmgroup.co.uk

Chloe Allen is eight years old but celebrated her second real birthday today because she was born on February 29.

She is among the few who only get to mark a proper birthday once every four years during a leap year.

Mum Becci Atkinson, 29, said: “Sometimes she feels good about it because it makes her feel a bit special.

“But other times she gets a bit angry when people say she is only two and younger than her five-year-old sister, Lucy.”

Becci, a book keeper from Birchwood Close, Canterbury, said Chloe first featured in the Kentish Gazette when she was born because it was a leap year.

“We normally celebrate her birthday on March 1 but this year we had a special party to mark the special day.

“And she had a few extra presents including some Zhu Zhu toy hamsters which she loves and some clothes. We are also taking her to the cinema to see the Muppets.”

Glasses were also being raised at the Mermaid Inn at Bishopsbourne where landlady Jackie Archer celebrated her 14th real birthday.

Jackie, who actually turned 56, and her family and friends held her official celebration on Saturday with a 1940s themed party for family and friends.

She also had a special reception from Barham Brownies where she has been brown owl for the last 15 years.

Jackie said: “I would normally celebrate my birthday on February 28 but obviously every four years we do something a bit special.

“As well as the party, I am going out for a meal with my family.”

Jackie says that friends have often sent her amusing cards meant for children with her leap year age on the front and a badge.

Teaching assistant Andrea Oliver is another leap year baby who has now had 11 official birthdays but is really 44.

She said: “Normally, if it isn’t a leap year, I will celebrate on March 1, although some of my family and friends go for February 28 so my birthday can last for a couple of days.”

Mum-of-two Andrea, of Cranleigh Gardens, Whitstable, who works at the Endowed School, added: “This year I decided to have an 'adult children’s party’ with silly games and everyone came dressed in their pyjamas.

“I have always got lots of children’s party cards from friends with badges and my children have always found it a bit amusing.”