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The Russian city of St Petersburg has been celebrating 300 years since its foundation by Peter the Great.

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Tens of thousands of local people have taken part in street celebrations.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said St Petersburg was a "symbol of European Russia".

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The president was showing off his home city to about 40 world leaders including German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder

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The city has been holding a week of commemorative events...

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... including a judo display in honour of Mr Putin - a big fan.

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Reminders of the city's founder were everywhere - a replica of his ship the Standart set sail earlier in the week.

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Young Russians made their own contributions to festivities with one girl painting Peter the Great on his horse.