The Queen has paid tribute to the people of the North West during a day visiting Liverpool and Manchester.

She said the region was one of the "most distinctive and energetic" areas of the UK.

She also paid tribute to the greater collaboration between the people of Merseyside and Greater Manchester.

About 10,000 people lined the streets of Liverpool as the Queen went on a walkabout in the city centre before giving a speech at the town hall.

Region 'together'

The Queen recognised a greater spirit of "togetherness" in the region.

"It is always a pleasure for Prince Philip and me to visit the North West," she told a reception at the town hall.

"I'm glad to be on Merseyside, which must be one of the most distinctive and energetic parts of the United Kingdom.

"The relationship between Merseyside and Greater Manchester, once tense, is now more confident.

"You work together more, whether on the Commonwealth Games or on the bid for the capital of culture.

"As Liverpool's two great church leaders of the 1980s and 90s knew and preached it is better together."

The Queen waved to crowds from the town hall

The Queen spent the day meeting some of the famous names of Liverpool as well as ordinary citizens.

Officially opening the city's John Lennon airport she met Yoko Ono before greeting Sir Paul McCartney at the Walker Art Gallery where she saw a collection of the former Beatle's work.

Prince Philip spent the morning at Bootle Town Hall presenting certificates at a Duke of Edinburgh Awards meeting.

After a walkabout in Castle Street the royal couple watched a cultural carnival from the balcony of Liverpool Town Hall.

They were then guests of honour at a lunch with the lord mayor and leader of Liverpool City Council.

The Queen was presented with a specially bred Liverpool royal celebration rose before departing, with the Duke, to open the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.