Two lesbian mothers with seven children between them have backed moves to let gay couples adopt.

The pair have just had their 18-month relationship blessed in a civil service and say their stable, loving family is an example of how it can work.

Carol Lavis-Nicholson and Julie Allen live in Crewkerne, Somerset, and had a 'wedding' at nearby Haselbury Mill.

They have backed moves to allow people in same-sex relationships to adopt and called on politicians to get the legislation through Parliament.

Opponents have squared up for a bitter battle after MPs backed the right of unmarried couples to adopt a child.

The Commons voted 288 to 133 for an amendment to the Adoption and Children Bill to enable unmarried people to adopt as a couple.

Tony Blair joined MPs in the 'yes' lobby but stiff opposition is expected in the Lords.

Tory MPs forced a fresh vote in the Commons last night on a further amendment to exclude same-sex couples.

But the backbench bid to block gay couples from being able to adopt children was rejected, without further debate on the issue, by 301 votes to 174, majority 127.

But there will be fierce opposition in the Lords.

But Carol, 44 and Julie, 40, say they are living proof that gay families can work.

Their blessing service was conducted by Mrs Eleanor Dixon, a lay preacher at Crewkerne Unitarian Chapel.

She declared the couple "partners for life" in a ceremony attended by more than 40 family and friends.

They have spoken about their 'wedding' to give other gay couples courage to cement their love in the same way.

Julie has four children from previous marriages, and the youngest, Sarah, 15, and Donna,13, live with the couple.

Carol's daughter, Lucy Nicholson, 22, and Lucy's partner, Ross Matthews are also living with the family temporarily, while they are waiting for council accommodation.

Lucy is expecting Carol's first grandchild, due in four months' time.

Carol said yesterday: "I just don't see why it should make any difference whether couples who want to adopt are gay or not, provided they are in a stable relationship, especially as some may have children from previous relationships.

"Of course they would need to be vetted the same as anyone else. What is meant by a 'normal' family? It is certainly true that the child's interests should be paramount.

"Since Julie and I have been together Sarah and Donna have been better at school because they feel more settled.
"As long as a couple can provide what a child needs that is all that matters.
"We would never try to influence the girls, and Sarah is very interested in boys at the moment."