What is it like to only officially celebrate your birthday once every four years?

This is the case for Bury St Edmunds eight-year-old Mia Parish who was born on February 29, a date that only appears during a leap year when the 366th day is added to the calendar. 

While she is technically eight, having been born at West Suffolk Hospital in the town in 2016, her mum Jenna said: "She loves having a special birthday she is very excited to be two." 

Bury Mercury: Mia Parish who was born on February 29, 2016Mia Parish who was born on February 29, 2016 (Image: Jenna Parish)

Jenna said on years where Mia's birth date does not appear, she celebrates the day before on February 28. 

"She had a reptile handling party to celebrate this year, with her friends from Cockfield Primary School," she said. 

Mia enjoys karate, in which she has just gained her next belt and where she trains three times a week. 

Bury Mercury: Mia ParishMia Parish (Image: Jenna Parish)

"Her other hobby is horse riding and showing, she will be riding in the Suffolk Show again this year with her pony Halbey," said Jenna.

In Kirton, near Felixstowe, twins Isaac and Isabella will celebrate their 12th birthdays after they were born during the leap year. 

The pair, who started high school in September, were born on February 29, 2012.

 Bury Mercury: Twins Isaac and Isabella will celebrate their 12th birthdays on February 29Twins Isaac and Isabella will celebrate their 12th birthdays on February 29 (Image: Claire Trower)

Isabella and Isaac's mum, Claire Trower, said her daughter enjoys horse riding, while her son enjoys swimming and playing computer games with his friends.

The pair typically celebrate on February 28 when it is not a leap year, but Claire said: "It's more special when it's on their actual birthday." 

Bury Mercury: Isaac and Isabella with their familyIsaac and Isabella with their family (Image: Claire Trower)

She said: "We are going to Clutopia on Saturday to do an escape room with their friends."

She added that the pair enjoy having a special birthday but 'don't like the fact it only happens every four years and people say they are actually three years old'.