Obama opens White House Easter egg race

The annual White House Easter Egg Roll has begun with the singing of the US national anthem as President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and an Easter bunny looked on.

Below the balcony, thousands of people gathered on the South Lawn to take part in the tradition, which has been hosted by the White House since the 1870s.

In his introductory remarks, the president described it as one of the most fun parts of his job.