SIAN Ducker is a real baby belle after her christening this week.

The four-month-old shunned the font - and was christened in a ship's bell instead.

Dad Terry Ducker is a Falklands veteran who served aboard HMS Ardent, which was bombed on May 21 1982 - only two days after its arrival.

Mr Ducker, 37, a former marine engineer, was one of only three men to escape from the stern of the ship as 22 of his shipmates died.

Royal Navy crews salvaged part of the ship - including the bell - nine months later.

Now anyone who served on board can have their children christened in the solid bronze bell, which is transported all over the country.

Mr Ducker, of Abbots Road, Selby, said: "It was wonderful to be able to christen Sian in the bell.

"It's priceless and of huge sentimental value. I remember the day the ship went down as if it was yesterday.

"The service at Selby Abbey was really special and Sian Madelane was fascinated by it all.

"The vicar was astounded when we approached him. He's only ever used fonts before."

Mum Dawn Langstaff said: "It was very unusual, but Sian took everything in and the vicar called her a star."

The Vicar of Selby Abbey, the Reverend Keith Jukes, said: "I have done more than 1,000 baptisms in the last 23 years, and this was the first one I haven't done in a font.

"Every christening is special, but this one was particularly so. It was a poignant moment for everyone involved."

Sian's name has now been engraved on a plaque, which is kept in the chapel at the HMS Drake naval establishment, in Plymouth.

Updated: 11:17 Tuesday, September 04, 2001