A STATELY home is to provide the historic setting for wedding and baby-naming ceremonies.
Preston Hall, near Stockton, is being offered for civil ceremonies by Stockton Borough Council.
The first couple to use the hall will be parents Andrew Duckling and Alison King, from Ingleby Barwick, who have chosen the Georgian mansion for the ceremony to name their son Charlie Duckling, who was born on January 5.
Ms King said: "When we went to register Charlie's birth we saw the leaflet about civil ceremonies and we thought it was perfect for what we wanted.
"We are not religious, but we still wanted to celebrate Charlie's birth."
The ceremony will be conducted by celebrant Brian Burr - the civil equivalent of a registrar.
Simon Dale, the council's head of services, said: "These services are popular as an alternative to traditional forms of baptism. We also perform reaffirmation of vows ceremonies and would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to discuss their requirements."
The couple's naming ceremony takes place on Saturday, April 26.
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