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Twenty Catholic bishops led a Madrid protest against government plans to allow gay couples to marry and adopt.

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An estimated 500,000 joined the march.

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Buses were laid on to bring people to the city and there were even special flights from the Canary Islands and Spanish enclaves in Morocco.

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The march was organised by a lay Catholic group - the Catholic Church holds great sway in the predominantly Catholic country.

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The Church has condemned the decision by Spain's lower house to vote in favour of gay marriage, describing it as profoundly iniquitous.

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The protest had the slogan "The family matters".

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In response pro-gay rights activists staged their own demonstration nearby.

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Young families were in evidence at the pro-gay rally too.

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Opinion polls suggest that despite Saturday's protest a majority of Spaniards support the government bill.