A COLOURFUL parade greeted the end of an imaginative Diwali project in Bury.

Lanterns were created during a series of workshops for the 'Festival of Lights'.

Cllr Umrana Farooq, the borough's deputy mayor, said the parade created a "fantastic atmosphere" in the town centre when youngsters displayed them during a procession.

She said on Twitter she was "humbled to see the diverse community together" for the event.

Lantern makers were joined by illuminated dancers and Dhol drummers as they wound their way from the Peel statue, in Market Place, to the Rock.

The gathering was one of several across Greater Manchester, with a similar procession taking place in Bolton and Oldham last week.

An all-day celebration took place last Saturday, with contributions coming from several quarters.

The event was rounded off by 'Cast the Light', a storytelling performance featuring community members representing The Met in Bury, Bolton Hindu Forum, Indian Association Oldham and Shree Bharatiya Mandal from Ashton, produced by arts group Walk the Plank.