by Adam Nichols

A six-month-old baby is to become the first in North Yorkshire to be named in a non-religious ceremony at a county register office.

Joshua Luc Dixon was being officially named at Northallerton register office today.

It is among the first ceremony in the country to officially name a child without reference to religion.

The content of the ceremony will be a matter for parents Kirsten and Carl Dixon, who live in Leeds, but have family in Northallerton, to choose and can include promises to the child, music, presentation of gifts and naming of people to act as "guide parents."

The ceremonies are being offered in partnership with Lifecycle Marketing Ltd.

Stuart Pudney, head of trading standards and regulatory services at North Yorkshire County Council, said: "We are at the forefront of this new initiative.

"We recognise that parents are looking for more choice in naming their child and believe this will be a popular choice.

"It is important, however, to remember that these ceremonies are secular and will not contain religious references."

For more information on the ceremonies, parents are asked to contact their local registration office.

adam.nichols@ycp.co.uk