GREATER Manchester Police are stepping up security ahead of the royal visit on Thursday (april 5).

A full search of many areas in the city centre will be conducted prior to the visit by the Queen and Prince Philip.

During the visit, officers from the North Manchester Division, with some assistance from GMP's neighbouring divisions, will provide a high-profile police presence in the city centre.

There may also be minor disruption to traffic in the city centre during the visit.

Superintendent Mark Robinson, from GMP's North Division, said: "The royal visit will present a unique opportunity for members of our community to meet the Queen."

He added: "GMP has an excellent track record of planning and implementing security operations in support of major events in the city.

"We will certainly draw on experience gained during the Labour Party Conference last September and we are confident that this unprecedented visit will be a great success."