A SAME sex couple has made history by becoming one of the first in county to form a civil partnership.

Jane Bevan and Linda Nelson, from the village of Wateringbury, tied the knot at The Archbishop’s Palace, Maidstone, on Wednesday.

They were among 12 couples taking part in similar ceremonies across Kent.

After the ceremony, Linda said: “It is absolutely fantastic. It went really well and was a wonderful occasion. It means a lot to us because we have been together for 17 years in March and something we never thought would happen in our lifetime.”

Supt Registrar, Annette Masters, who conducted the ceremony in front of 20 guests, said the couple had made history.

“It was a privilege to be part of their special day - I wish them well.” she added.

Friend and witness, Helen Hurst said: “It’s been a really special day and really emotional for both of them. It is a big step, not just for them, but for every gay couple.”

Registrar manager Clive Gardener said recent publicity had seen a rise in the number of gay and lesbian couples seeking to enter a legally binding partnership and added: “County wide we have had 100 bookings. In the last couple of weeks we have had more enquiries about them and people coming in to find out more information, so maybe next year we will have even more.”

* IVIL ceremonies are now legal under the Civil Partnerships Act, giving gay and lesbian couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples.

The first ceremonies under the Act took place in Northern Ireland on Monday, December 19, then Scotland the following day.