PETER Gurling and Greg Wilson tied the knot in Brighton Pavilion's first gay wedding on Saturday.

And the Rev David Miller, who performed the ceremony, said: "I don't think the Prince Regent would have batted an eyelid."

The happy couple, who turned up in a red BMW, posed for photographers and TV cameras, and kissed in front of the Pavilion, before going inside for the ceremony.

The law does not recognise gay marriages, so the ceremony was a blessing.

Greg, 38, a civil servant, wore beige chinos and grey silk shirt with a black and red waistcoat. Peter, 48, a British Gas employee, also wore chinos with a tan waistcoat.

They walked up the aisle in the Oriental William IV room to the music of Beethoven's Turkish March.

Mr Miller, of the Brighton Metropolitan Community Church, who has conducted numerous gay ceremonies, said: "We are here to witness the affirmation of two people's love for each other."

Greg's mother, Patricia, 50, was best lady and presented the rings.

The couple signed a certificate of partnership, before leaving to the tune My Guy and heading off for a reception in Saltdean.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.