PICTURES BY: MARC TURNER, LENNY WARREN, NICK PONTY, JAMIE SIMPSON, MARTIN SHIELDS and JULIE HOWDEN

JOY swept Glasgow today as news of the Games win was relayed on giant screens across the city. Now the party has started in earnest, with thousands of people toasting the victory.

Cheers rang out across the city from George Square to Central, Queen Street and Subway stations when the vote was announced - even at bus stops.

And taxi drivers were told the result by their control centres so they could pass the message on to passengers.

Schoolchildren were given special permission to watch the decision between lessons.

It may be seven years before the games come in 2014, but that did not stop widespread celebrations today.

Lord Provost Bob Winter said: "This is wonderful news for Glaswegians, whose enthusiasm and support were invaluable factors in our success.

"The Games will create a lasting legacy for everyone who lives and works in the city, and will ultimately change people's lives."

Lesley Sawers, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said: "The winning of the 2014 Commonwealth Games is a massive result for Glasgow, Scotland and for Scottish business.

"It is good news not only for the immediate boost it gives to the confidence of this great city, but for the springboard it will provide for the delivery of Glasgow's 10-year economic strategy.

"The business community must now focus on ensuring Scotland benefits by winning as many of the commercial contracts that will result in all sectors from construction to the service industries.

"And we must ensure that the support is available to allow companies of all sizes throughout Scotland the best chance of success."

Sports presenter Dougie Donnelly hosted a party for 1200 people at the Old Fruitmarket in the Merchant City, where former First Minister Jack McConnell said: "This is going to be a Commonwealth Games the world will never forget."

After the verdict Deacon Blue and Amy Macdonald got the party started for the guests who were joined by joined athletics stars Liz McColgan, Yvonne Murray and hundreds of schoolchildren from across the city.

Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was also in town to celebrate the victory.

She said: "This is a tremendous day for Glasgow.

"One of the most inspiring things is that it will be our kids who will be competing for medals in our own home city."

Scotland boss Alex McLeish said: "Glasgow is rocking. This is a fantastic day."

Staff had arrived at the Old Fruitmarket at 5am to start preparing for the city's official bid party.

The City Halls, which acted as a reception area for the hundreds of schoolchildren, guests and competition winners, was decked out with hundreds of balloons, and visitors were handed out 2014 flags on their arrival.

The Strathclyde Police Pipe Band performed at the start of the event.

Susan Molloy, school business manager at Whitehill Secondary, said: "We've brought 20 kids along with us today. We've been building up to this day for a year.

"These children live in communities which will directly benefit from the Games."

At the Tollcross and Scotstoun leisure centres, thousands more watched the news relayed on big screens.

In the West End, 1000 children were performing a giant gymnastics display at the Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena.

The announcement also reached passengers on every form of public transport.

Rail travellers found out the result on screens at stations and on trains, and First Bus had electronic displays at bus stops.

Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports had information screens and made loudspeaker announcements.

And Caledonian MacBrayne screened live footage on its boats.