Police take lead in Pride parade

The event celebrates the diversity of the gay community

More than 130 police officers and staff from forces around the country have taken part in the parade at Manchester's Gay Pride festival.

A police band made up of officers from Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside led the procession.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) festival over the August Bank Holiday.

A police spokesman said it was a "privilege to be leading this weekend".

'Diverse cities'

PC Darren Haslam, chairman of Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Lesbian and Gay Staff Affiliation, said: "It's a clear demonstration of the commitment of GMP and forces across the country to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-sexual communities.

"We want to show that we are both representative and supportive of all the communities we serve.

"This is the largest ever police presence in a gay Pride parade and I am delighted that it is happening in Manchester, one of the world's most welcoming and diverse cities."