Team GB and Paralympics GB's Rio stars in Manchester parade

Prime Minister Theresa May has congratulated Team GB and ParalympicsGB on "one of the greatest sporting achievements in our history".

Ms May told the stars of Rio 2016 that they were "an inspiration to us all" recounting how both teams finished second in the medals' tables.

The MP for Maidenhead recounted how "time after time the nation came to a halt, as you wrote your names into the history books" and also praised those behind the scenes who helped to make the athletes' successes reality.

Ms May added that it was right a celebration was held in Manchester where "so many of the medals were made", adding "this has been a homecoming for heroes, because that is what you are".

The Prime Minister added that the legacy of the Games would encourage people into sports and see disabilities differently.

• Video report by ITV News Sports Editor Steve Scott

Manchester braved the rain on Monday to cheer on Great Britain's Olympic and Paralympic stars.

Team GB and Paralympics GB's athletes were paraded through the streets, ending in the city's Albert Square where they were joined on stage by Rebecca Ferguson who sang Heroes.

The celebration is the first of back-to-back "heroes parades" to toast Great Britain's success in Rio, 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.

Following the "heroes parade" through Manchester the stars of Rio 2016 were joined onstage in Albert Square by Rebecca Ferguson who sang Heroes.

Gold-medal winning para-canoeist Anne Dickens has thanked Manchester for its "incredible" support during the "heroes parade".

Dickens was a volunteer during the London 2012 Games, but went on to win gold in Rio.

The stars of the Rio Games are taking to the stage in Albert Square following the "heroes parade" through the streets of Manchester.

The Olympians and Paralympians were met with huge crowds who had braved the rain to show their support.

The stars of Rio 2016 have been showing off their dancing skills as they make their way through Manchester on top of the "heroes parade" floats.

Judoka Jonathan Drane and the women's hockey team showed that they are good at more than one sport as they celebrated their achievements.

Rio 2016 silver medal-winning rower Katherine Grainger has thanked fans for turning out to support the "heroes parade" in Manchester.

Max Whitlock displayed some of the skills which helped him become a double-gold medalist at this summer's Rio Games.

The gymnast was joined on a "heroes parade" float by teammate Nile Wilson, and the pair thanked fans for their support.

10-times Paralympic Games gold medalist Lee Pearson CBE has thanked fans for supporting the "heroes parade" from the top of his float.

The para-equestrian won both gold and silver at this summer's Rio Games, having already represented ParalympicsGB in Athens, Sydney, Beijing and London.

Fans turned out in force to cheer the stars of Rio 2016 during the "heroes parade".

Many carried messages of support celebrating Team GB and ParalympicsGB's successes.

Even the rain could not deter the crowds, with many donning ponchos to keep them dry.