Accepting the Republican US presidential nomination, John McCain promised change in Washington if elected.

Stewards removed several anti-war demonstrators who tried to heckle Mr McCain.

After Mr McCain's speech, running mate Sarah Palin joined him on stage as the delegates applauded.

Balloons and confetti rained on the hall after the acceptance speech as John McCain and his wife Cindy were cheered.

Elated Republican supporters sported Republican elephant hats at the convention.

In the lead-up to Mr McCain's address, his wife had praised his character in her own speech.

Mr McCain's mother, 96-year-old Roberta, was at an earlier rehearsal to see her son trying out the stage.

Country singer Trace Adkins was rehearsing to sing the US national anthem later at the convention.

These delegates from Texas could be seen bowing their heads for the national anthem.

Anti-Iraq war protesters demonstrated outside the convention. Here one peace activist hands a riot policeman a flower.

In faraway Madrid, Spanish supporters of Mr McCain could be seen carrying a cardboard cut-out of the would-be next US president through the Spanish capital.