UKIP leader Nigel Farage met business leaders in Bolton tonight.

The reception at the Whites Hotel at the Macron Stadium was the controversial politician's only visit to Bolton before the general election in May — and his first visit to the north west of 2015.

Speaking to The Bolton News before he spoke to guests, Mr Farage said: "I have no idea what to expect from tonight, which is what makes it fun.

"I'm expecting to meet men and women who work or have worked damn hard in their lives and taken some pretty big risks in their time.

"I don't expect them to be especially political, because people in business are more about making money and looking after their companies and employees."

Outside the stadium a handful of protesters clashed as EDL supporters and members of Unison traded insults.

There was a small police presence.