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Hundreds of well wishers turned out on a bitterly cold, but otherwise fine, night for a celebratory party in the Albert Square to honour Manchester's Olympic and Paralympic athletes and a host of Games volunteers who travelled from the city to help the London events run smoothly.

Spectators saw volunteers and athletes from both events welcomed along a red carpet before they took to a specially erected stage as show highlights from the games were shown on a big screen.

Greater Manchester-based athletes won a total of nine Olympic golds, accounting for almost a third of the 29 Olympic golds won by Team GB, and 16 Paralympic golds.

The party, compered by BBC commentator Paul Dickenson (himself an ex-Olympic athlete), was concluded by a four-minute firework spectacular illuminating the Town Hall (Link YouTube video).


Link Replay Manchester City Council’s Livestream video