TEN-week-old Teegan Jade Cooper was unaware that she was history in the making when she was christened at the United Reformed Church in Darwen.

Despite sleeping soundly through the event, little Teegan joined a long line of family history when she was christened in a cotton gown which dates back to 1864.

Twenty-nine of her forefathers and mothers have also been christened in the historic family gown before her, and many even in the same church.

It is 17 years since the gown - still looking almost as good as new - made its last outing, when it was worn by Teegan's mother Heather Hill at her christening in 1985 at the same Bolton Road church.

And this time dozens of family came again to see the white gown, embroidered with every family member to be christened in it, make another appearance.

One of Teegan's descendants, Isabel Thornber, started off the family tradition when she was christened in it well over 100 years ago.

Then came a string of relatives, including Teegan's cousin, Mark Wheatley, 22; her grandmother, Maude Hill, 47; great aunt Joan Hepple, 49; her other great aunt Lena Talbot, 53; her great,great aunt Betty Power, 58 and other great, great aunt Betty Edwards, 70, who were all at the service yesterday to see the next in line.

The event was also special as it was the first time a member of the family had conducted the christening service. Lena Talbot, an ordinand, or minister in training, performed her first christening on her own.

And her great niece was a perfect subject for her first time. "Isn't she lovely?" said Lena. "She's been so good. It has been a very special day for me today."

The dress itself has been carefully preserved, and can now only be soaked in the bath to make sure it does not fall apart. It has had a few small repairs through the years, and its arms have had to be removed for one chubby wearer.

Mum Heather, gave birth to Teegan at Queen's Park Hospital on December 8. She was at the christening with proud dad Gary Cooper, 19, from Joseph Street, Darwen.

Heather said: "When I found out about the history of it I thought she had to be christened in it. I was just a bit worried she wouldn't fit into it, but we have just made it. I was the last one to be christened in it."