Thousands greet Queen at Stormont party

More than 20,000 people cheered for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as they arrived at Stormont for the Diamond Jubilee celebration.

The Royals waved from their open-top vehicle as they drove into the grounds, flanked by crowds of party-goers.

The monarch and Prince Philip then disembarked to speak to First Minister Peter Robinson and his wife Iris.

The visitors then got back inside their car and were accompanied by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Owen Paterson as they made their way by road around the estate.

Local singer Brian Kennedy was one of the performers who took to stage to entertain the crowds at what was one of the largest gatherings ever seen at Stormont.

It brought to a close the two-day Royal visit to Northern Ireland.

The Queen left the grounds, passing through the Prince of Wales Gates of the Stormont Estate.

A short time later the Royal aircraft took off from George Best Belfast City Airport.

There was traffic chaos earlier as park and ride facilitates struggled to cope with the number of people trying to attend the party, with the gates kept open an extra hour.

Traffic jams across the city caused setbacks and all of Translink's Metro east Belfast services have been delayed due to heavy traffic.

The PSNI said three services at Airport Road West, Sydenham Road and Giants Park were "currently full".

A Translink spokesperson said routes which should have been kept clear had been used for parking.

"We are working hard with our partners to amend this situation," they said.

The event at Stormont Estate was scheduled to run until 6pm, with traffic congestion also anticipated as people leave.