Dark clouds and occasional rain didn't dampen the spirits of the Ellesmere Port community who have been turning out in droves to see the town's annual giant parade today (Sunday May 31).

The temperamental weather meant the parade took more than half an hour to get going, but patient crowds waited to see 30 12ft Queen Elizabeth figures make their way through the town centre, each dressed in garments reflecting the cultural diversity of the British Commonwealth countries.

Luckily the sun came out eventually at the special event which celebrated the fact that on September 9 this year, Queen Elizabeth II will overtake Queen Victoria as the longest reigning monarch in British history.

Things kicked off just after 11.30am when the City of Chester Brass Band started the parade with a musical march from Wellington Street Car Park.

From there it made its way through the streets of Ellesmere Port, heading for the Civic Square where it is to finish at 3pm.

One onlooker who brought her children to see the spectacle, said: "It's quite cold but it's worth it to see the parade, it's something different isn't it? It brings a lot of people to the town. It's just a shame the weather wasn't better but it did seem to brighten up a little bit."

Many people offered their services for the event, with Chester the Cat and staff from Dee 106.3 just some of those helping to transport the giants through the town; and some nuns were even seen pulling a similarly dressed giant along.

The free event is still currently ongoing until 3pm.