AN eight-month-old Malton boy has been officially named in the first civil naming ceremony to be held in Ryedale.

Ewan William Rookes was the centre of a ceremony held at Malton's Old Lodge Hotel by his family and conducted by the district celebrant.

North Yorkshire County Council began offering the naming ceremony as an alternative to christenings for families who wanted a non-religious ceremony, several years ago.

Now dozens of new-borns are named at personal services, which often include readings, promises by witnesses who take the place of godparents, and song, at venues across the county.

Mother Melanie, 29, of Park Road, said the 20-minute ceremony was "nice and relaxed".

She said: "We are not particularly religious and wanted to do something different."

Celebrant Ann Cook said it was a "beautiful" occasion. She said naming ceremonies were becoming increasingly popular and that it was a privilege to be able to perform them.

Robin Mair, of North Yorkshire County Council, said the naming ceremony gave couples an alternative to traditional christenings.

Updated: 09:42 Wednesday, September 18, 2002