The Queen has opened a new £83 million sports village and conference venue in Manchester in front of huge crowds.
Her Royal Highness and the Duke of Edinburgh officially unveiled the 11,000 capacity venue, which boasts conference and education facilities.
She arrived to warm applause from the crowds gathered outside and toured the complex, which caters for 22 different sports, as well as serving as a meeting and conference centre.
Guests at the royal visit included Leigh MP Andy Burnham, Lord Peter Smith and local councillors.
Following the national anthem, the Queen drew back a curtain to officially open the venue, and she and Prince Phillip spoke to children and staff at the facility.
In related Lancashire venues news, Eric Galbraith, chief executive of the British Insurance Brokers Association, recently praised the Manchester Central facility following its successful staging of the organisation's conference last week.
"Manchester is a great venue, it's worked out for many of our members," he said.
