The first same sex couple to wed in Brighton and Hove have received an unusual early wedding gift from their MP.

Andrew Wale and Neil Allard are set to become one of the same-sex couples in the country to marry after winning a Brighton and Hove City Council competition for a ceremony in the Music Room of the Royal Pavilion at one minute past midnight on March 29.

Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby has written to the couple in his constituency to congratulate them and has sent them a copy of the Marriage (Same Sex Couple) Act, signed by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Mr Kirby said: “I am delighted for Andrew and Neil and I congratulate them on the wonderful news.

“March 29 will be a very special occasion for them, and also an historic day for the city.

“The passage of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act was a tremendous achievement that will bring joy to so many couples like Andrew and Neil and I asked the Prime Minister to sign a copy of the Act for them to mark the occasion.”