Swansea have become the first council in Wales to approve civil services for people of the same sex who want to get "married".

Commitment ceremonies for straight and gay couples can now be held at the county's register offices.

Jasmine and Paddy had their relationship blessed

The service, which has no legal status, is already held in many register offices across England.

The ceremonies also allow heterosexual couples, who do not wish to take the legally-binding route of marriage, to make a public commitment to one another.

Jasmine Diren and Paddy Agusta, from Swansea, have been together for nine years and had their relationship blessed by a Humanist minister five years ago.

Jasmine believes the decision by Swansea council is a move in the right direction.

"It is a bit of a stigma for your relationship not to be recognised it is a big step for the council to recognise it in the way of a blessing.

"I think gay people really want is for it to be recognised by law."

Forward thinking

Swansea council's cabinet strongly backed the plan, with 49 voting in favour of the proposals and only four against, with one abstention.

Following the decision on Thursday, David Jones, Swansea councillor said: "The celebratory ceremonies support the council's equal opportunities policy.

"The approval demonstrates the forward thinking, progressive approach of the city and county, which aims to embrace all sections of the community."

We hope other Welsh councils will now follow Swansea's example

Derek Walker, Stonewall Cymru

The move is in line with a government recommendation that the registration services should offered a wider range of celebratory services.

Derek Walker, co-ordinator of the gay rights pressure group Stonewall Cymru said the decision paves the way for other councils to follow suit.

"Swansea's action sends a strong message that Swansea is seeking to become a welcoming place for lesbian and gay people to live and visit," he said.

"We hope other Welsh councils will now follow Swansea's example."

Earlier this year, Carmarthenshire council was said to be considering becoming the first in Wales to allow the ceremonies.

However, a council spokesman said the authority would only consider the move if recommended to do so by the assembly.

The commitment ceremonies are one of three new services that Swansea council are offering.

An alternative to baptisms, called civil naming ceremonies, and a renewal of marriage vows will also be introduced.