[James]

Parents are putting Preston on the map
19.12.06

Not so long ago it was mainly known as a city in Lancashire with a 'proud' football team.

Then a pop star turned reality show contestant put it back on the map.

Now Preston is the fastest climber in the league table of names given to new-born boys, rising 1,346 places.

This clearly reflects the popularity among young parents of the lead singer of The Ordinary Boys, whose full name is Sam Preston.

He was introduced to a wider audience when he took part in Channel 4's Celebrity Big Brother in January and went on to marry the winner, the non-celebrity Chantelle Houghton.

While Preston is the fastest-rising name for boys, Ruby takes that honour among girls. It is now the 12th most popular choice, up from 45 a year ago.....

www.thisislondon.co.uk