A BABY boy is set to be the first person to take part in a naming ceremony in a North-East town.

Max Little will be officially named at Central House in Darlington on Saturday, August 3.

The nine-month-old boy will be the first person to have a naming ceremony in the town since the law was changed to allow the civil service to be held.

Max's parents, Stuart Little and Sarah Richardson, of Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, decided to give their son an official welcome into their life.

Ms Richardson said: "We wanted a formal welcome for Max but did not want it to be religious.

"We knew we would have a party but the naming ceremony makes it more of an occasion.

"Darlington and Northallerton are the only two places around here that hold the ceremonies.

"It is ideal for us because our family and friends can come along and take part in the ceremony and we have been able to tailor what happens and what will be said so it is very personal."

Instead of god-parents, the couple have chosen supporting adults who will make promises to look after Max as he grows up. The ceremony has been devised by Civic Ceremonies, a company working with Darlington Borough Council to provide the naming service for people in the region.

Naming ceremonies are not just available for children. Adults can hold a service to celebrate a change in name through marriage, or for other circumstances such as welcoming step-children into a family.