In pictures: Tenerife immigrants

Scores of illegal immigrants from Senegal or Guinea arrive in the Canary Islands daily in search of a better life, packed in wooden fishing boats.

They have risked their lives on journeys which can last up to 10 days. Many arrive with nothing, having left their homes and family behind.

Hungry and exhausted, the immigrants watch holidaymakers at the resort of Los Cristianos walk by.

Some speak of escaping war and poverty and pay hundreds of euros for a place on the boats.

The immigrants are escorted into the harbour by the coastguard and rounded up by the police.

They are given a health check by Red Cross officials - some are emaciated, while others are still in a good condition.

After being examined, the immigrants are placed on buses and taken to detention centres or courts.

The immigrants face an uncertain future, but for many it is a price they are willing to pay.

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