The purple Ukip army has rolled into town… and there are a few incredible sights to behold.

The party are hoping to make inroads in Greater Manchester and their new leader Paul Nuttall is also seeking election in the north - although this week has experienced a few hiccoughs.

However, the party’s conference is in full swing in Bolton today, with Nigel Farage kicking off proceedings with a bang.

Ukip’s former leader still has droves of loyal followers - and he left the stage to rapturous applause after aiming blows at the Tories and Tony Blair.

The first coffee break of the day gave the M.E.N. a chance to have a wander around Bolton Wanderer’s Macron Stadium to see what was going on outside the main hall.

Here are a few typical sights from Ukip’s spring conference…

1. Paul Nutall comes out from the shadows

Maybe not, it’s just a cardboard cutout. He’s had a hard week, sure, but this isn’t going to fool anyone.

2. Footy grub…and a pint

Who needs a coffee when there are pies and pints on offer?

3. A new way to deliver the message

Herbert’s caught the eye of a few Ukippers with his inventive way of getting the party’s message across.

The old romantic couldn’t help but deliver his wife a Valentine’s Day message on the fancy bit of tech.

4. ALL the purple merch

It’s EVERYWHERE…

5. ‘Is Trump right?’

Read the word ‘right’ however you please…

6. An incredible invention

Ever lost a finger to an angry dog delivering leaflets? Help is at hand...

7. Weird animal Photoshop jobs…

…and cartoons…