Record visitors for Manchester's Christmas Markets

Manchester's annual Christmas Markets have had a record-breaking number of visitors for the opening weekend, the council has said.

More than 67,500 people visited Albert Square on Saturday - the busiest day of trade ever seen on the square.

This year the markets are spread over eight locations across the city centre, including a new site in King Street.

Councillor Pat Karney said he was "bowled over" by the number of visitors.

He said: "We have the largest Christmas markets in the country and they transform our city centre into a Christmas wonderland."

The first German Christmas Market was held in St Ann's Square in 1999 before being extended to other city centre locations.

The markets are open across the city until 21 December.