THE region's first gay commitment ceremonies were given the go-ahead last night.

Darlington Borough Council has become the first authority in the North-East to introduce the ceremonies, which sparked controversy when they were first mooted last week.

Same-sex couples, who are not allowed to marry under existing laws, are now being encouraged to head to the town to make public declarations of their commitment.

Cabinet members unanimously approved the scheme last night, and said it would be open to couples from outside the town.

Councillor Stephen Harker said: "For some people there is no method that allows them to take part in any ceremony.

"This would allow couples to come to Darlington who cannot, or who choose not to marry, to take part in a ceremony in the presence of their family and friends.

"Most of the authorities already doing this are in the South - the nearest to us are Bradford and Hull."

Other local authorities in the North-East are thought to be on the verge of introducing them.

The ceremonies, which are secular and will also be available to heterosexuals, will be organised by Civil Ceremonies Limited, the company which also runs the town's naming ceremonies for babies.

The company will train staff from the registrar's office to become celebrants. They will host the ceremonies at the office and other licensed premises. Couples will be charged between £75 and £150.

Ceremonies will not carry religious references and can either be held in private or shared with family and friends.

The Reverend David Holloway, vicar of Jesmond, has condemned the idea. Encouraging same-sex relationships is "morally wrong", he said.

Gay rights groups are delighted with what they believe is progress towards ending discrimination.