We felt it would be an ideal way of bringing our family and friends together to celebrate the birth of our baby.

John Ebel

Mr Ebel said: "We felt it would be an ideal way of bringing our family and friends together to celebrate the birth of our baby."

Mr Ebel, a 28-year-old restaurant manager, has been the partner of Ms Cliffe, 31, financial controller at Rookery Hall, for three years.

He said Tamara was the perfect addition to their relationship.

"If we have more children we will have them named in the same way," he added.

People may take up this option and at the end of the day think they have missed out on something

Church of England

Cheshire County Council is one of a number of local authorities taking part in the pilot scheme.

A council spokesman said: "Ceremonies at register offices or approved buildings will provide a non-religious way for parents who wish to make a public declaration of long-term commitment to their children."

Registration service manager Martin Smith said: "The ceremonies will meet an important demand from a fairly large section of the community.

"We make it clear there are religious alternatives."

But a Church of England spokesman said: "A lot of clergy are concerned people may take up this option and at the end of the day think they have missed out on something."