'Page dog' helps mark gay wedding

The couple have been together more than 12 years

A drag queen bridesmaid, a "page dog", and a gay men's choir have helped to mark a wedding on the first anniversary of civil partnerships becoming law.

Jamie Hakim, 36, and Graeme Youngs, 41, became the 680th couple to tie the knot in the Sussex city of Brighton.

Their vows focused on love, honour and respect, and they exchanged rings each set with a diamond taken from a ring worn by Mr Hakim's late grandmother.

The unorthodox supporting cast also included a best man and a best girl.

The couple met more than 12 years ago and moved to Brighton in 2001.

It feels like we're being accepted by the greater country Jamie Hakim

Mr Hakim said their key reason for Thursday's ceremony was to cement their relationship.

"The main thing that changed today is that Graeme became my next-of-kin and vice versa.

"It feels like we're being accepted by the greater country, being able to do this," he said.

On this day last year, Brighton made history by hosting three simultaneous civil partnership registrations.

It has been revealed that the city has held the most services in the UK.