A gay clergywoman is to make history when she takes part in the country's first same-sex wedding by marrying her long-term partner.

The Reverend Debbie Gaston, 46, will join two other gay couples who plan to tie the knot in Brighton on December 21 this year.

Ms Gaston, of the Metropolitan Community Church, will marry her partner of 16 years, Elaine Cook, 53, who has two grown-up children from a previous hetero-sexual marriage.

The ceremony has been made possible by the new Civil Partnership Bill which comes into force on December 5.

There is a 15-day period before any ceremonies can take place, making December 21 the first day on which same-sex couples can legally be bonded.

Ms Gaston said today: "As a vicar I obviously believe whole-heartedly in the concept of marriage and I have married more than 30 couples myself.

"Elaine and I have waited many years to be able to make this kind of commitment to each other and we both see the Civil Partnership Bill as a huge step in the right direction for equality.

"However, we are only part way there. Until I can have a legal ceremony in the eyes of God I will not feel completely fulfilled.

"But this opportunity to make history is fantastic and we'll very much enjoy celebrating the experience with our friends and family."

Gino Meriano, a wedding planner, and his partner, Mike Ullett, and Roger Lewis, a Sussex Police employee, and his partner, Keith Willmott-Goodall, will join Ms Gaston and Ms Cook by marrying on December 21 at one second past midnight in a joint ceremony.

All are from Brighton.

Like regular civil marriages, the ceremony will take place at the register office at the city's town hall in Bartholomew Square.

The city council has been a supporter of the Bill since new legislation was first suggested.

Spokesman Councillor Simon Burgess said: "The council is very excited about the prospect of making British history."