Ref. 30022-6LEAH Mae Rumens celebrated her first birthday with a secular baby naming ceremony.

She comes from one of around 20 families a year who opt for such a ceremony, provided by Swindon Council, instead of a religious service such as a christening.

Leah's parents, Stephanie Melvin, 27, and Adam Rumens, 27, from Toothill, also exchanged vows to each other at the service, which welcomed their daughter into the community.

Miss Melvin said: "It was a lovely service and a very special way to celebrate her first birthday."

The service took place at Swindon Register Office, in Temple Street, and families and friends attended. Leah's service was enjoyed by four generations of the family, including her great-grandmother, Phyliss, 75, from Penhill.

Miss Melvin said: "Although I was christened and Adam is a Catholic, we are not actively religious. So this service was ideal. I read about them in a pregnancy welcome pack."

The couple paid around £130 for the service, which included readings and an exchange of parents' promises.

Leah wore a cream dress with lace ribbons, a family heirloom, for the occasion.

Miss Melvin said: "It was first worn by my aunt's son, Darren, 31 years ago."

Her daughter Amber, five, was also christened in the same dress.

She said: "Now I have experienced both ceremonies, I think the secular one was more interactive. We made lots of promises to Leah and each other and it was very moving."

The supporting adults, the equivalent of godparents, Nicola Butler, 24, and Michael Saunders, 26, also pledged their commitment to Leah.

Amber then presented her sister with a special jewellery box before the guests sang happy birthday.

Mr Rumens said: "We were really pleased with the ceremony. We thought it would be hypocritical to christen Leah because we don't go to church."

Swindon Council has been providing the service for two years.

Karen Knapton, superintendent registrar at Swindon Council, said: "The youngest child we have held a ceremony for was three months old and the oldest seven.

"The service is a way of welcoming children into the family and making promises about their future welfare."

For more information about booking a service call 01793 512511.

Victoria Tagg