The first set of civil partnership ceremonies for gay couples in the UK are being held in Northern Ireland.

Two women, Shannon Sickles and Grainne Close, exchanged vows at Belfast City Hall, followed by a gay couple and another lesbian couple.

The new Civil Partnership Act provides same-sex couples with similar legal rights to married couples.

The first ceremonies in Scotland will take place on Tuesday, and in England and Wales on Wednesday.

Matthew Roche, who had lung cancer, and Christopher Cramp held their ceremony hours after the Civil Partnership Act became law on 5 December. Mr Roche died the next day.

Campaigners say the law ends inequalities for same-sex couples.

Since it came into force, couples have been able to legally register an intention to form a civil partnership with local councils.

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