Today is a particularly special day for two women in their twenties – as they turn five and six respectively.

Amber Cranton Smith from Penryn and Meggan Evans from Falmouth were both born on a leap year – meaning that while they may have arrived in the world two decades ago, their ‘real’ age would put them still at primary school.

Amber, from Penryn, turns 20 on Thursday, although her official age will only be five.

Falmouth Packet: Amber when she was a baby and nowAmber when she was a baby and now (Image: Family pictures)

Her mum Angie told the Packet: “We celebrate her birthday usually on the 28th instead, so obviously it feels extra special this year, when she can actually celebrate it properly.”

Meanwhile, Meggan Evans from Falmouth will be turning both six and 24 this year. She was the first of six leap year babies to be delivered at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in 2000, arriving at 5.16am weighing 8lb 13oz.

Falmouth Packet: Meggan when she was a baby and nowMeggan when she was a baby and now (Image: Family pictures)

It’s not just humans who can celebrate a leap year birthday, however. Captain Barnacles from Redruth will also be marking a special day with his family – mum Sara, dad Andrew, non-furry siblings Evan, Florence and Elis, as well as Lucy the dog and rat brothers Roly and Happy, all from Redruth.

Sarah said: “He may not be human baby but he was born on February 29, 2012. we took his mum in as a stray and she was pregnant so know when the kittens were born.

Falmouth Packet: Captain Barnacles is also celebrating a birthdayCaptain Barnacles is also celebrating a birthday (Image: Family picture)

“His name is Captain Barnacles and is absolutely adored by my three children.

“He'll be 12 but really only three.”