Gay couples in London can now register for a civil partnership, giving them many of the same rights as married couples.

The Civil Partnerships Act came into force this morning, with the first ceremonies under the new law to be held from December 21.

Gay couples across the capital will now be able to give notice that they want to register as a civil partnership, and will be formally registered after a 15-day notice period.

Deputy Equality Minister Meg Munn said the Government introduced the law to give legal recognition to people in committed relationship who had been invisible in law up until now.

"I'm pleased that from today same sex couples in London will be able to get the recognition they should have."

Alison Cathcart, the Superintendent Registrar for Westminster, said the local register office had taken 102 provisional bookings from couple under the new law.

"We're very pleased to be able to play a part in such a socially significant change in legislation," she said.

The Civil Partnership Act allows for a range of rights and responsibilities, along the lines of marriage, including employment and pension benefits, life assurance, and inheritance tax.