Armed police are to patrol the streets of Greater Manchester in a counter-terrorism operation.

No specific threats have been made, but police are providing extra protection in the run-up to Christmas.

Operation Vigilant includes high-profile policing, random checks on cars and armed foot patrols.

Similar plans were put in place last year, but concentrated just on the city centre.

We are well prepared to deal with any eventuality Chief Insp Martin Gaffney

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Thomas, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "I'm aware that people are currently apprehensive about terrorism and the potential threat to the UK.

"While there is no specific threat to Greater Manchester it would be foolish to be complacent."

Police are also urging the public to be report any activity which is suspicious or out of the ordinary.

Operation Vigilant will run into the New Year, but police stress routine anti-terrorism work is continuing.

Chief Inspector Martin Gaffney, GMP Counter-Terrorism Security Adviser, said: "We've just policed one of the biggest sporting events held in Britain in recent years.

"Our planning for the Commonwealth Games obviously took into account the threat of terrorist activity and the detailed plans we formulated prior to it remain in place.

"As a result of this we are well prepared to deal with any eventuality."