TENS of thousands of people have taken part in a march to mark one of the most significant dates in the history of Ulster.

An estimated 30,000 marchers yesterday took part in the Orange Order parade – from the City Hall to the grounds of the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont in east Belfast.

The march, accompanied by a heavy police presence, commemorated the 100th anniversary of the signing of the pro-union Ulster Covenant to oppose Home Rule for Ireland in 1912, which led to the creation of the Ulster Volunteer Force.

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson said: "Just as back in 1912, people set aside any differences that they might have within the unionist community. Today we're not here as Ulster Unionists or DUP, we're here simply as unionists."