David and Victoria Beckham have hosted a star-studded christening for sons Romeo and Brooklyn, with Elton John heading the guest list.

A private chapel was constructed for the occasion in the grounds of the family's Hertfordshire mansion. Former Spice Girls Emma Bunton, Gerri Halliwell and Melanie Chisholm were all seen entering the estate.

It was rumoured the bash would see a reunion of all five group members, but "Scary Spice" Mel B did not attend.

The Beckhams were believed to have chosen Sir Elton John and his partner, David Furnish, as godparents to Brooklyn, five, and two-year-old Romeo. Sir Elton arrived for the black-tie affair in a silver Rolls Royce.

Other guests at the lavish ceremony included Liz Hurley and her boyfriend Arun Nayar, as well as Greg and Lucy Rusedski and David's former Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville.

Stars to receive invitations included Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, Wayne Rooney and Coleen McLoughlin, along with Sven Goran Eriksson and Nancy Dell'Olio. The rest of the guest list consisted of close friends and family, including the Beckhams' parents and siblings.

Earlier on December 23, 2004 afternoon David Beckham's mother Sandra drove to the couple's home near Sawbridgeworth, closely followed by Victoria's parents, Tony and Jackie, and then her sister, Louise.

Victoria, who is expecting her third child in March 2005, is understood to have planned the ceremony. Although Brooklyn and Romeo were to have a traditional Christian ceremony, the chapel appears to have two Buddhist shrines at its entrance.

The couple have flirted with different religions and earlier this year Victoria was spotted wearing a red Kabbalah bracelet.

After Brooklyn's birth, David remarked: "I definitely want Brooklyn to be christened, but I don't know into what religion yet."

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