Tens of thousands of activists have marched in Manchester in protest at Government policies as the Conservative Party began its annual conference in the city.

Up to 85,000 people are claimed to have joined the demonstration on issues such as austerity, spending and benefit cuts, NHS reforms and restrictions on trade union strike activity.

Although the protest was largely good-natured, there have been two arrests, including one man for allegedly spitting at a journalist.

A smartly-dressed Tory conference-goer was also hit by an egg as the demonstration made its way through the city centre.

Union leaders and officials from campaign groups including CND addressed a rally in the city centre before leading the procession.

Singer Billy Bragg warmed up the growing crowd with a set on stage, changing the lyrics to his best-known songs to add topical references such as "take the money from Trident and spend it on the NHS" and "these Tory cuts will get me the sack".

The rally began in bright sunshine - with many holding banners from the country's biggest trade union Unite.

A variety of slogans featured on mass-produced and home-made placards, including Cut War Not Welfare, Don't Bomb Syria, No Cuts and Divine Discontent, Divine Disobedience.

Several costumes and banners featured images of pigs, poking fun at Prime Minister David Cameron over allegations made in a controversial biography about a bizarre student ritual.

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey told the rally the protest was "sending a very clear message to this Tory Government" that they faced a fightback.

"If they think a fluke victory in which 75% of the electorate did not vote for them gave them a mandate to continue their cuts then they've got another thing coming.

"If they think they are going to have a smooth ride over the next five years, they've got another thing coming.

"There will be hundreds of thousands of people hounding them, snapping at them and resisting them."

The fight would be easier because in Mr Corbyn, Labour has a leader "who will stand shoulder to shoulder with us", he said.

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said restrictions in the Trade Union Bill were "the biggest attack on the democratic organisation of working people for 30 years".

"This is about attacking our right to strike. And we say no way."

Jeremy Corbyn, who is breaking with convention for an Opposition leader tomorrow by speaking at a protest meeting happening alongside the conference, has appealed to those taking part to keep it peaceful.

But Conservatives attending the conference have been advised by the party not to display their accreditation outside the secure area around the Manchester Central venue in case they come under attack.

There were angry scenes when police detained a man after a journalist was spat on, apparently after being mistaken for a Conservative Party member.

Some demonstrators hurled abuse at the Huffington Post's Owen Bennett and two other journalists at the scene and repeatedly shouted "Let him go!" as officers attempted to deal with the incident.

Eventually, the police escorted the reporters away from the scene to the safety of a nearby hotel lobby in a bid to calm the situation and to take statements.

Greater Manchester Police said on Twitter: "Two arrests so far. One man arrested on suspicion of assault outside Radisson Hotel & one man arrested on suspicion of drunk and disorderly."

Ms O'Grady said what happened to Mr Bennett and nearby Telegraph journalist Kate McCann was "inexcusable".

She added: "Journalists must be allowed to do their jobs."