The owner of a Gloucestershire wedding venue has apologised after he cancelled a couple's booking after realising they were gay.

Tim Wiltshire, who owns Priors Court Barn in Brockworth, cancelled a booking made by Kevin Chaffe and his partner.

Writing on Facebook on Saturday Mr Chaffe called the incident 'disgusting' and a 'devastating blow'.

"There’s not room in this world for this type of blatant discrimination and homophobia," he added.

In a statement posted on the Priors Court Barn Facebook page on Monday Mr Wiltshire said: "My initial reaction to the understanding that it was a same sex marriage was completely wrong of me and I let my personal beliefs affect that of the business which is not right.

"I am deeply sorry for the upset that I have caused to the couple and all affected. Of course everyone has the right to their own beliefs and I now realise that my initial reaction was inappropriate in modern society and for which I am truly sorry.

"I would like to reassure everyone that the venue welcomes all couples and I acted without thinking.

"I would also like to apologise to the other couples and businesses associated with the barn, as this does not reflect any of their own beliefs and was only an error on my part.

"I wish the couple in question future happiness and hope we can all move forward from this."