BRADFORD united its first opposite sex couple in a civil partnership this afternoon after a landmark change in the law.

From today, civil partnerships can now be formed by men and women, as well as same sex couples.

The pair, Warren Fletcher and Paula Stega from Idle, chose to have a civil ceremony after feeling it "demonstrates absolute equality".

A registrar for Bradford Council conducted the ceremony in City Hall in front of its cycling gear-clad guests, The Queensbury Queens.

The day was described as "very emotional" by Warren, who first met Paula 23 years ago through football.

Paula played for the Bronte Ladies while Warren was on the Thackley Football team.

Warren told the Telegraph & Argus: "It was really emotional. The people down at Bradford registry office, they made it really personal.

"We just wanted to be low key and they made us really welcome. They made it not serious. It was very low key and relaxed.

"We've had a really great day.

"Me and Paula, we're very into equality and we think a civil partnership is a bit more equal than a traditional marriage."

The idea first came about this Summer as Warren talked with his gay friends who were celebrating their own civil partnerships.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

This sparked a phone call to Bradford Council when he was told the first ceremonies would begin on December 31, 2019.

Warren explained: "We opted for a civil ceremony rather than a wedding because we feel this demonstrates absolute equality between Paula and myself, we are both non-religious and we both have strong views towards equality between the sexes."

To end the "great day", the couple are celebrating with pub food and pints down at the local with their family and friends.