London's busiest shopping streets were brought to a standstill as the annual Pride march dazzled onlookers with a flamboyant and colourful display.

Sarah Brown, the Prime Minister's wife, wore black, brightened up with colourful necklaces, to join the parade organised by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups.

Mrs Brown was among the first group of marchers who were cheered as they walked along Oxford Street, followed by drag queens in huge blonde wigs and Union Flag outfits.

A light shower of rain, which fell before the parade started, cleared up by the time the march left Baker Street.

Mrs Brown looked relaxed but subdued as the parade reached Regent Street, carrying a pink, red and white version of the Union Flag.

Pride founder and prominent gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said he planned to ask Mrs Brown to speak to her husband about allowing same-sex couples to marry in the same way as heterosexual partners.

Mr Tatchell said civil partnerships, introduced under Labour, were "a form of sexual apartheid".

In the parade, Mr Tatchell carried a sign saying: "Gordon and Sarah can marry, gays can't. End the ban on gay marriage."

Thousands of people lined the route of the parade, some dressed as flamboyantly as the participants.

One group in Regent Street wore rubber suits and masks decorated with ropes.

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