More than 100 gay weddings

The Civil Partnership Act became law in December 2005 and since then 113 couples have tied the knot at registry offices - including hairstylists-to-the-stars Royston Blythe and Nick Malenko.

In Dudley 35 couples, of which 17 were male and 18 female, have recorded their partnerships at registry offices in the borough.

In Sandwell 28 same-sex couples have tied the knot, of which 15 were male and 13 female.

In Wolverhampton 36 couples have entered into a civil partnership. Out of these 12 were female and 24 were male.

Judith Sunley, Walsall Council head of public protection, said: "We are pleased to announce that we have had 14 civil partnerships in Walsall since they were first introduced - eight male and six female.

"They have proved to be very popular and we are happy to provide this service as part of our duties."

Last month Little Britain's Matt Lucas was the latest high-profile groom when he wedded long-term partner Kevin McGee. It was just one year after Elton John tied the knot with David Furnish.

Hairstylists Royston Blythe and Nick Malenko 'married' in style in a lavish reception in November at London's exclusive Dorchester Hotel.

Yesterday the West Midlands couple returned from their honeymoon in Barbados to attend another civil partnership taking place in Birmingham tomorrow.

Royston said: "I had been thinking about a civil partnership for a while.

"The reason we went ahead with it is because we have built a business and a home together and it makes everything secure if anything happens to either of us."

The Government predicted 22,000 civil partnerships by 2010 but already 15,500 same-sex couples have tied the knot.

By Cathy Spencer