Hundreds of people marched through Manchester city centre for the annual Whit Walk - but the route had to be diverted at the last minute.

The procession was made up of children, adults and the elderly, waved their flags and banners as they made their way to Albert Square for a short service.

Around 12 churches from Manchester and Salford are involved in the procession of banners and brass bands.

It was originally planned for the parade to walk along Deansgate - but an incident in which two men were stabbed meant police had cordoned off part of the busy street.

Instead the procession walked up John Dalton Street.

(Image: STEVE ALLEN)

Manchester’s new Lord Mayor, Councillor Carl Austin-Behan, also attended for the time in his new role after taking up the chains of office this month.

The walk was first held in the city more than 200 years ago in 1801 and are held to encourage community activities.

It had previously been held on a Sunday but was changed to Bank Holiday Monday to allow more people to attend.