NEARLY 200 same-sex couples in the region have booked marriage-style ceremonies, taking advantage of a new law that comes into force today.

Councils have already received bookings from people wishing to formalise their relationships, giving them the same rights as married couples.

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 allows civil partnerships between gay couples to be registered at approved venues, such as registry offices or places where civil marriage ceremonies are held.

The first ceremonies will take place on December 21, because couples can only give notice of their intent from today, by posting notices outside registry offices.

A 15-day waiting period follows, in which people can lodge objections. Once that has passed, the couple can go ahead with the service.

Notices of intention will include names, date of birth, sex, occupation, nationality and the venue of the proposed civil partnership registration.

However, civil partnerships cannot be registered at religious venues, such as churches.

Latest figures from local authorities in the region show that 28 gay couples plan to enter into civil partnerships in County Durham and 17 in Darlington.

Fourteen partnership ceremonies are expected to take place in forthcoming weeks in Cleveland, 89 in the Newcastle City Council area and 14 in Gateshead.

In North Yorkshire, the first civil partnership between a gay couple will take place in less than three weeks' time.

Graham Peckett, 43, and his partner, Ian Scott, 47, will tie the knot at a ceremony in Ripley Castle, near their home town of Harrogate, on December 21.

North Yorkshire County Council's executive member for community services, John Fort, said: "I hope they are the first of many gay couples who will come to North Yorkshire to tie the knot.

"After all, there couldn't be a nicer place for a ceremony like this."

Rob Wills, superintendent registrar at Middlesbrough Council, said: "The council believes that everyone should have equal access to its services and that right is free from any discrimination.

"We plan to offer a friendly and professional service here and will be welcoming same-sex couples who wish to enter into civil partnerships."

Martin Lancaster, of Sunderland City Council, said: "Sunderland City Council is proposing to embrace this new legislation and use it to deliver a service that meets both demand and personal needs.

"Staff have already attended regional training to gain familiarity with the new procedures.

"Here, there are six appointments for notice of intention already booked, with four ceremonies planned before Christmas."

Couples forming partnerships will receive the same treatment as married couples in a number of areas, including inheritance tax, employment and pension benefits, life assurance and income-related benefits.