THE first gay and lesbian commitment ceremonies in the region could soon be given the go-ahead.

Because same-sex couples are not able to marry in the UK, commitment ceremonies allow them to make a similar public declaration of their love.

Next week, at a meeting of Darlington Borough Council's cabinet, councillors will decide whether the ceremonies can be held in the town.

If the council follows the recommendations, couples will be able to book a ceremony for later this year.

The council is the first local authority in the North-East to consider introducing the ceremonies, although others are expected to follow suit.

Under a Government White Paper all councils will be asked to provide similar services for people living in their area.

If the ceremonies are given the go-ahead in Darlington, couples from outside the area would be able to arrange a service in the town.

The ceremonies, which are secular and will also be available to the heterosexual community, 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, who will host the ceremonies at the town's registrar's office and other licensed premises. It will cost between £75 and £150.

Darlington council's proper officer Peter Kearsley said: "The purpose of the ceremony is to make a public declaration of life-long commitment, love and dedication between two people.

"The occasion can be shared with family and friends, or the ceremony can be held in private without guests."

The possibility of commitment ceremonies being held in the region has been welcomed by pro-gay groups.

The Reverend Richard Kirker, general secretary of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement said: "This move by the council can only help to strengthen the view that all people in the community should be considered as equal.

"Same-sex couples should not be discriminated against. This is definitely a step in the right direction."

However, the Reverend David Holloway, vicar of Jesmond, in Newcastle, condemned the move saying any alternative to marriage was damaging to a society based on Christianity.

He said: "To have alternatives to marriage is bad for our society which is based on stable relationships.

"It is not just Christians who hold this belief but many religions who believe in marriage.

"From a Christian standpoint I do not believe that same-sex relationships are right and anything which encourages these unions is wrong.

"Marriage should be for men and women and any alternative, such as living together, is morally wrong.