Thanet council has become the first in Kent to vote in favour of government plans for gay marriage - despite fierce opposition from an MP.

Cheers erupted from a packed public gallery last night when a motion supporting equal marriage for same-sex couples was passed by a two-thirds majority.

It is only the second council in England and Wales to back such a motion as the government bids to change the law.

Last month, North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale was accused of "old-fashioned bigotry" for his opposition to gay marriage.

Sir Roger provoked outrage by claiming same-sex marriage would result in Shakespeare and the Bible having to be re-written.

Independent councillor Ian Driver, who proposed the motion last night and is pictured left, said "I am delighted with the result. Thanet has demonstrated that it is a progressive council which cares about the civil rights of its large lesbian, gay and transgender community".

"I hope that the vote in Thanet will encourage other Kent councils and KCC to follow our lead. We need to send out a clear message that the days of old fashioned bigotry and homophobia are over and Kent is a welcoming and inclusive place for people to visit and live, whatever their background".

Kevin Grice, chairman of Thanet Pride, said: "It's very unfortunate that Roger Gale waded in. It's very short-sighted, he really needs to come in the 21st Century. I'm so happy the vote's gone through - it shows a lot of foresight."

The vote in favour of same sex marriage ends a bitter political debate between local campaigners and Thanet North Tory MP Roger Gale who recently described supporters of the Government plans as "militant homosexuals".