In pictures: Basra handover

The handover of Basra took place amid tight security at a ceremony at Basra Airport, where British troops took up defensive positions.

Before the ceremony got under way, security checks were carried out on those attending. Here, Iraqi women are checked by a British soldier using a handheld metal detector.

Against a colourful backdrop, Britain's Maj Gen Graham Binns addresses journalists inside Basra Airport ahead of signing a Memorandum of Understanding formalising the handover.

Maj Gen Graham Binns signs the memorandum, watched by Basra governor, Mohammed al-Waili. Britain would be a "committed friend", said Foreign Secretary David Miliband.

The handover completed, Maj Gen Graham Binns shakes the hand of Iraq's National Security Adviser, Dr Mowaffak al-Rubaie.

Following the ceremony, Iraqi soldiers paraded through the streets of Basra.

They were accompanied by an impressive array of military hardware, demonstrating the strength of the new guardians of Basra's security.

Tanks rolled through the streets during the parade as helicopters flew overhead.

Iraqi police officers, so often the target of suicide bombers, were present in numbers.

Iraqi special forces also marched as residents looked on.