GREAT Britain's Olympic and Paralympic athletes visited Manchester to celebrate their Rio 2016 achievements.

The event was the first of back-to-back 'heroes parades' to toast the nation’s success in Brazil, with the second celebration being held in London on Tuesday.

Both British squads finished second in their respective medal tables at this summer's Games.

Team GB collected 27 golds among their medal total of 67 - two more than from London 2012 - for their best-ever haul from an overseas Olympics.

The Paralympics GB squad returned from South America with 147 medals, including 64 golds.

Despite heavy rain, thousands of people lined Manchester’s streets to see athletes including Nicola Adams, Max Whitlock and the Brownlee brothers, Alistair and Jonny.

Farnworth's Jason Kenny and wife, Laura Kenny, did not attend as they are still on their honeymoon after marrying last month.

Match of the Day presenter, Mark Chapman, and Blue Peter star, Helen Skelton, hosted an on-stage celebration in Albert Square following the parade.

Live music was provided by the Kaiser Chiefs, who stepped in to play when singer, Olly Murs, pulled out his scheduled performance.