SUPER-sized bee sculptures which went on display around Manchester have raised more than £1.1 million at auction.

The 77 Bee In The City artworks, each with a different design, were dotted around the area's streets, parks and cultural venues during the summer months.

On Wednesday night the giant bees were sold off to raise funds for the Lord Mayor of Manchester's We Love MCR Charity.

The city's worker bee symbol, a nod to its industrial heritage, came to worldwide recognition as people united in the wake of last May's Manchester Arena suicide bombing.

Lord Mayor of Manchester June Hitchen said: "Bee In The City really captured the city's heart this summer, and it's clear from tonight's auction there's still a lot of love for the bees.

"On behalf of We Love MCR Charity, I would like to say a massive thank you to all of the bidders tonight.

"They dug deep to raise an incredible £1,128,250, which will make a huge difference to the work we do in and for Manchester."

The money raised will support We Love MCR Charity's Stronger Communities fund, which provides grants of up to £2,000 for initiatives that bring communities together to celebrate diversity and build stronger relationships.