A CREDITON teacher and his partner of more than 20 years were the first same-sex couple to legally marry in the county last weekend.

David Marston, who teaches at Queen Elizabeth's Academy, Crediton and his long-term partner, John Humphreys, the Mayor of Exmouth, were married at Exmouth Town Hall.

Same-sex couples across the country celebrated on Saturday as the new marriage law came into effect.

John, who is also a Conservative councillor on East Devon District Council said, following the ceremony: "After more than 20 years together we wanted to wait until gay marriage came in because we knew one day it would, whether it was this year, in five years, or in 10 years.

"It was absolutely fantastic. We had a joyful day and it was lovely to be surrounded by friends, family and children who we have seen grow up in the years we have been together."

David, a former newspaper reporter turned teacher, said they felt it was worthwhile marking the law on the day it actually changed.

He said: "It marks a big significant change in the law but also a change in social attitudes in this country.

"We are, I believe, now one of 20 countries where same sex couples can get married.

"It is a growing thing and I am very glad to see that."

The pair first met more than 22 years ago when they were completing volutary work for Aid to Romania.

The ceremony was attended by more than 150 guests, who, afterwards, enjoyed a reception held at the Masonic Hall.

One of the guests was East Devon Conservative MP Hugo Swire.

Civil partnerships were introduced in Britain in 2004. The Government has said that they can be converted to marriages by the end of the year, according to Culture Secretary Maria Miller.

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act came into force in July last year but it was not until March 13 this year when couples were able to register their intention to marry under the Act for the first time.