The first gay wedding show in Kent for 14 years is being held next month.

It will be held at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel.

Business partners and couple Marcus Collings and Daniel Kyte say only around 5% of same sex couples attend wedding shows.

Mr Collings, 51, who has been running events for nearly 20 years, said: “When looking for a wedding venue it’s about feeling comfortable. All our suppliers are gay friendly and we’re hoping it will encourage more gay couples to come along.”

The couple, who own Ashford-based KC Weddings and Events, are targeting the gay market but highlight everybody is welcome.

Chilston Park Hotel in Maidstone was the last Kent venue to host a gay wedding or civil partnership event in 2005.

Latest national figures show at 146 Kent had the second highest number of same-sex marriages in the South East, second only to Brighton & Hove with 201.

The pair have received support from local firms and hope the March 3 show will be the first of many.