Darryl Bullock and his partner, Mark Godfrey, had already celebrated their relationship on a 'big day with a crowd of family and friends in 2004', but the following year they opted for a civil partnership in Bath to protect their legal rights.

'We arrived early in the morning at about 8 am and were shocked as it was like a media circus. There were dozens of press photographers and journalists there, with our arrival broadcast live on breakfast TV.' Their friends and family were also swept up in the buzz surrounding the day, 'It was all very exciting and we were incredibly proud to be taking part in a bit of history. It really was a wonderful feeling.'

After the ceremony the party headed back to Bristol for a wedding breakfast at the Old Market Tavern in Old Market. It was still early in the morning so everyone tucked into a full English fry-up. 'I remember it all being a bit farcical as the phone literally did not stop ringing.'

As well as having a memorable day Darryl recalls that for days afterwards strangers congratulated him and shook his hand, and people were beeping their horns as they drove past. 'There was so much positive energy and so many good wishes from people. I've never had any issue with homophobia in the city, yet I was still surprised at the overwhelmingly good response from everyone.'