A couple became the first same-sex couple to be married at an east London church.

Shane Yerrell, a district councillor for the Waltham Abbey Paternoster ward, said he and his husband David Sparrey were "honoured" to be able to wed at Wanstead United Reformed Church.

The two made history as they celebrated their big day on October 21.

Same-sex marriage was legalised in the UK in 2013, but the Church of England ministers cannot carry out the marriages.

The Wanstead church became the first in Redbridge to be registered to conduct same-sex marriages and the couple were in luck after a string of rejections from other churches.

Cllr Yerrell said: “We really feel honoured to become the first same-sex couple to be married at Wanstead United Reformed Church.

“We would like to say a big thank you to the church. In particular Reverend Tessa and [church secretary] Grace Smith, who both helped us all the way through.

“We will be eternally grateful.”