COUNTY Durham's registration services is offering a non-religious baby-naming ceremony, from its offices in Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Durham, Peterlee and Stanley.

Families can also hold the ceremony at one of more than 20 sites approved for civil weddings.

David Dixon, Durham County Council's public services manager, said: "A naming ceremony is a unique occasion where everyone in the family can celebrate the birth.

"It is an opportunity for parents to promise before family and friends to be good parents and for adult friends or relatives to confirm their special relationship with the child."