SHE'S just seven months old, but little Jessica Power will be wrapped in 143 years of family history when she is christened in an heirloom.

Jessica, from High Bank Crescent, Darwen, will be the 32nd child in the family to wear a gown, which spans three centuries, at her christening on September 16.

The gown was handmade by her ancestor Eleanor Thornber in 1864, when Queen Victoria reigned and the American Civil War raged.

The Lancashire cotton worker made the gown for the christening of her first child, Isabel.

The white gown is in a Broderie Anglaise style, incorporating features of embroidery, cutwork and needle lace.

It is about three feet long and characterised by patterns of eyelets, bound with overcast or buttonhole stitches.

Jessica's mum, Claire Power, 35, said: "I am so proud that Jessica will wear the dress. It's a tradition in my husband's family and really is very nice.

"I think it's wonderful that a dress so old can be in such good condition and still used in this era.

"Even my family, who aren't part of the tradition, are chuffed about it."

The carefully-preserved gown can only be soaked in the bath to ensure it does not fall apart.

Jessica's grandmother, Betty Power, wore the gown in 1943, and dad Jason Power, 33, wore the gown at his christening in 1973.

Claire said: "Jason has been very keen for Jessica to wear it.

"He keeps telling me that it's all about family values."

After the ceremony at Hollins Grove Congregatio-nal Church, and reception at the ICI Club, Bridge Street, Darwen, Jessica's name will be added to the underskirt of the gown, which is embroidered with the name of every family member christened in it.

Claire has only two concerns. She said: "Jesscia is sick so many times, I'm worried about it going on the dress and, because babies have got bigger through the years, I'm a bit worried it's going to be gaping at the back!"