They paraded through several districts on Hong Kong island to the offices of the chief executive where they presented a petition calling for an end to one-party rule in mainland China.

A protester is arrested for ripping a Chinese flag during the march

They also called on the authorities to revise the official verdict on the suppression of student demonstrators in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989.

The pro-democracy march has been a traditional annual event since the Beijing crack-down, and has been allowed to continue despite Hong Kong's return to mainland China 18 months ago.

Turnout was lower this year than in many previous years. Pro-democracy leaders blamed Hong Kong's economic recession for the reduced level of enthusiasm.

Organisers of the march are planning a special series of protests this year to mark the 10th anniversary of Tiananmen Square.

The protest comes at a time when Hong Kong's own pro-democracy movement is re-examining its position.

The Hong Kong Democratic Party won a landslide victory in elections last year, but because the level of democracy is limited they only have a minority voice in the Legislative Council.

The BBC's Hong Kong Correspondent Jill McGivering says this has made some members frustrated because their ability to influence policy is limited.