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Massive loyalist parade through city centre

Several thousand loyalists marched through Belfast on Saturday to mark 100 years since soldiers left the city to fight for Britain in World War One.

Bands led men and woman dressed in period costume to mark the centenary of 17,000 members of the 36th Ulster Division marching through Belfast city centre on their way to battle in 1915.

Many of those taking part carried replica weapons.

Newly-elected Ulster Unionist MPs Danny Kinahan and Tom Elliot were among those who attended.

Several prominent loyalists were also spotted taking part in the parade, including Shankill Butcher Eddie McIlwaine.

A wreath-laying ceremony was held at Belfast City Hall during the march, which ended in east Belfast.

PSNI Chief Superintendent Nigel Grimshaw thanked community representatives and event organisers for their work behind the scenes, saying it showed "a real willingness to achieve resolutions".

"Hopefully this will create a positive platform for dealing with sensitive parades throughout the coming months."

He added: “We had an evidence gathering operation in place and any potential breaches of the Parades Commission determination will be investigated.”