Dozens of heterosexual couples are preparing to enter into civil partnerships following the introduction of a law that takes effect tomorrow.

They will form legally recognised unions that offer the same rights as marriage without any religious connotations.

Gay couples have been able to form civil partnerships since 2004.

Legislation to allow heterosexual couples to do so was passed in October 2018 by Theresa May following a Supreme Court challenge by Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan.

Legislation to allow heterosexual couples to do so was passed in October 2018 by Theresa May following a Supreme Court challenge by Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan

The couple, who met in 2010 and have two children, said marriage 'treated women as property'.

Civil partnerships offer the same legal entitlements as marriage in terms of inheritance, tax, pensions and next-of-kin arrangements.

But there is no theological significance and ceremonies are conducted by a registrar, not a minister.

The couple, who met in 2010 and have two children, said marriage 'treated women as property'

The Government estimates up to 84,000 ceremonies will be conducted in 2020.

Among those holding a civil partnership ceremony tomorrow are Deborah Williams and Dave Shaw, from Cornwall, who have been together for 31 years.

Mr Shaw said: 'We never married because of the patriarchal, religious and conservative associations. But we felt we should be entitled to the same protections.'