A GAY couple from Stainland made English history today when they became the first same-sex couple to get hitched.

Examiner columnist Terry George and partner Michael Rothwell tied the knot, exchanging silver rings in a civil ceremony in Leeds at 8am this morning.

The ceremony was held at the couple's Fibre club on Lower Briggate.

The pair, wearing matching white morning suits and red cravats, arrived in a horse and carriage drawn by two white horses shortly before 8am to the club, decorated in a Moulin Rouge theme.

Each had a vivid red rose in their buttonholes.

They walked in along a red carpet to be greeted by more 200 guests for the ceremony.

The guests were lavishly attired in line with the day's theme.

Outside the club, dozens of TV crews and reporters ensured the event attracted worldwide attention.

The pair signed the register in an historic moment, in front of registrar Jean Lee.

Michael said: "It is the happiest day of my life.

"And it is a day I never thought would happen.

"I think Terry was more nervous than me: I felt pretty calm. It's just a great day".

Terry, who writes each Monday in the Examiner's Fresh supplement, said: "We made history.

"We have been together 16 years and now people all over the world will be able to see what it means for us".

Earlier Terry, 40, said he had been worried about forgetting something on his big day.

He said: "I woke up in the middle of the night last night at 5am with loads of things in my mind.

"I dreamt I had forgotten the rings!"

Terry said, like any other wedding, they were well organised and hoping for the best.

He added: "I think I've remembered everything - we have been very well organised but you never know."

Terry and Michael enjoyed a different sort of pre-wedding send off - a Hag party.

Terry said: "We had it earlier this week and it was great.

"It's a mixture of hen and stag and we thought it was appropriate.

"We went to a restaurant and had a few drinks.

"No-one ended up chained to any railings!"

Terry was given away by friend Dennis Dewsnap, 70, who now lives in Thailand.

Terry said: "It has special significance to me. Dennis's partner of more than 30 years died two years ago.

"It's sad that they never had the opportunity to do this.

"We never thought this would happen two years ago."

Terry, who is also a photographer, said his wedding was important not only for him and his friends and family but for other gay people.

He said: "When you look around this is a big step.

"People look to the UK and USA and to see this happening here will send out a message.

"We have TV cameras here and the pictures will go out around the world.

"There are places such as Egypt where you are still being flogged for being gay never mind getting married."

Five couples were planning to take part in ceremonies in Kirklees - three male and two female.