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Hundreds of protesters gathered in Manchester city centre for an anti-Trump rally as the controversial businessman was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States.

Demonstrators from across Greater Manchester - and some from further afield - descended on St Peter’s Square for the event as the wealthy TV celebrity’s inauguration began.

They voiced their concerns about the impact Donald Trump’s presidency will have on global politics - and his divisive comments on the campaign trail.

It is thought up to 700 people attended.

The Stop Trump rally heard speakers from Stand Up To Racism, Greenpeace, Stop The War, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and more.

Labour MEP Julie Ward also spoke, as well as former Corrie star Julie Hesmondhalgh and Dianne Ngoza – the Zambian-born nurse who recently avoided deportation from the UK.

The rally followed an anti-Trump protest earlier on Friday morning in Hulme and Salford Quays.

The Bridges not Walls demonstration, in Hulme, was organised by Citizens UK. It saw a group of protesters drop a banner over the Hulme Arch Bridge in a rally against the divisive leader.

In a nod to the billionaire’s vow to build a wall between Mexico and the US following his election, the campaign group opted for a message of hope and unity.

Protests in Manchester took place as tensions in Washington DC rose.

(Image: Carolin Watson)

A women’s march is set to be held on Saturday in Manchester, to coincide with demonstrations across the globe following the inauguration.

Campaigners will meet at 1pm in Albert Square for the peaceful protest.