We’ve watched them go to school, star in their first nativity play and even attend their dazzling high school prom. But nothing quite matches up to the occasion of Wolverhampton’s White triplets turning 18.

Thomas, Rebecca and Esther were celebrating their special birthday today, and like pretty much every other milestone in their lives, the Express & Star was there. Today is particularly significant as it marks the countdown to the day the trio will be separated for the first time.

Esther, who attends St Peter’s Collegiate School in Compton, is planning to head off to Crewe University in the summer, leaving Rebecca and Thomas behind at the family home in Jeffcock Road, Bradmore.

Their mother Elaine, who has seven other children, said she is dreading the day Esther waves them goodbye.

“It will be so strange so see them split up for the first time,” the 53-year-old said.

“I tried to convince her to go to Wolverhampton but she cannot wait to get away. She is really independent whereas Rebecca is really homely.

“It will be so strange not having them all around but there will still be five other children around so I will be kept busy.”

When the triplets were born in 1990, it was touch and go at New Cross Hospital when they each weighed just a few pounds.

Tom was 4lb 8oz, Esther was 3lb 8oz and Rebecca was the tiniest at just 2lb 10oz.

The trio were in hospital for a month, but eventually they were strong enough to be allowed home with delighted parents Elaine and Bernard where the hard, but rewarding work, raising them began.

Despite five of the couple’s brood having already left home, the weekly family food bills have rocketed.

“I spend about £200 a week just at the supermarket because they are bigger so they eat more,” said Elaine today.

The fresh-faced trio were set to mark reaching 18 with their first legal alcoholic beverage tonight during their special birthday celebrations at The Chindit public house, in Merridale Road, Merridale.