Irish speakers in language march

The marchers made their way into Belfast city centre

Irish speakers have taken to the streets of Belfast to highlight their campaign for official recognition of the language.

The march, organised by Irish language group Pobal, made its way from the Falls Road to the city centre.

The campaigners are calling for a comprehensive, rights-based Irish language act.

The consultation period on a proposed law ended on Tuesday, with more than 4,000 responses sent to the government.

The draft bill suggests that public bodies should specify measures for using Irish when providing services.

It also proposes the creation of an Irish language commissioner and giving people the right to use Irish in court.

Nationalists are strongly in favour of the measure, but unionists have promised to block any bill in Stormont.