An official in Kentucky who is continuing to deny marriage licences to gay couples said she is doing so "under God's authority".

Rowan County clerk Kim Davis emerged from her office after some couples were denied the licences.

She asked David Moore and David Ermold, who have been rejected four times, to leave. The pair, who were surrounded by reporters and cameras, refused.

Mr Ermold said: "We're not leaving until we have a licence."

Ms Davis responded: "Then you're going to have a long day."

Her supporters whooped from the back of the room, saying "praise the Lord" and "stand your ground".

She stopped issuing marriage licences after the US Supreme Court's landmark decision to legalise gay marriage across America earlier this summer.