Britons have been encouraged to enjoy their Bank Holiday weekend as planned after police reviewed security at more than 1,300 events.

Extra armed officers will guard sporting and music spectacles across the country after the military was drafted in to protect key locations.

More than 1,100 officers had been freed up for duty because of the support of soldiers, the country's most senior counter-terrorism officer Mark Rowley said.

"A complete review of the plans for over 1,300 events across the country has been carried out by specialist security officers and policing has been stepped up," he said.

"There will be extra officers on duty, and that will include hundreds of armed officers.

"Extra firearms officers have been out on streets because we have backfilled some static guarding posts at key places with military personnel.

"Their presence at these sites will continue throughout the weekend."

The strengthening of police operations comes after the UK threat level was raised to critical following the Manchester Arena suicide attack on Monday.

Under Operation Temperer, soldiers have been stationed at sites including Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, freeing up additional armed officers to attend events such as the FA Cup Final.

Mr Rowley said: "Every force across the country is looking at crowded places and critical events and iconic locations, and re-profiling the policing to provide greater protection at those locations."

Additional resources have been "spread across the country based on demand", with a significant number deployed to the North West.

"As I step back looking into the weekend, I am satisfied that we have a very strong plan to enable normal business to continue, people to enjoy themselves," Mr Rowley said.

Fans attending the football at Wembley Stadium and the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final at Twickenham on Saturday will face heightened security checks.

They have therefore been asked to arrive early to the London events.

Manchester is hosting the Great City Games and Great Manchester Run this weekend, putting pressure on the local police force.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: "Manchester is a busy place and this weekend we have the Manchester Games, the Great Manchester Run, the Courteeners concert and the start of Ramadan.

"All these events will be taking place and additional officers, including a significant number of armed officers, will continue to be on patrol.

"There will be additional security checks at some locations and we would ask people to be patient and work with us to ensure everyone can enjoy these events safely."

As well as military personnel, Ministry of Defence Police are also being used to support regional forces.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "Kent Police is liaising with the Home Office to regularly assess the national threat levels and what that means for our county.

"Highly-visible firearms officers are already patrolling key locations in Kent as part of our current deployment and as a result of this ongoing work, additional police officer patrols have been arranged."

Enhanced policing and security will also be in place for Saturday's Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

Police Scotland are asking ticket holders for the match between Celtic and Aberdeen to arrive early to allow for checks, and to not take bags into the stadium.

Superintendent Mark Hargreaves, match commander for the event, said: "Whilst I understand that some people may be inconvenienced by the increased security, public safety is our priority and I am sure everyone in Scotland will co-operate with us and support this.

"There is no specific threat against Scotland, or the Scottish Cup Final; however, people should remain calm but vigilant and report anything suspicious to police."