TENS of thousands braved a showery weekend to enjoy the spectacle of the World Pipe Band Championships on Glasgow Green.

And for Northern Ireland's Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band it was four in a row as they were crowned world champions.

Around 30,000 people turned up to watch the competition, despite heavy rain.

But the rain failed to dampen the spirits of musicians and spectators as more than 220 bands and 8000 pipers travelled from around the world to battle it out for the prizes.

Families and music fans flocked to the competition, known as The Worlds, to see the world champions presented with the top award.

There were jubilant jigs on Glasgow Green as the Northern Irish band took first place in the elite Grade 1 competition.

Runners-up were a Scottish band, Inveraray and District, with third place going to the St Laurence O'Toole band from Dublin.

There was no hiding the elation on the faces of the Field Marshal Montgomery Band, from County Antrim, as they walked away winners - for the tenth time, and the fourth in a row.

All day long, the skirl of pipes had continued almost without cease, with bands from as far afield as Australia, Eastern Europe, New Zealand and the US taking part in the two-day competition.

Ian Embelton. Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association said: "Every year we see pipers and drummers putting in thousands of hours of practise to set new standards.

"The people who have been here over the last two days have enjoyed terrific competition. We set ourselves the challenge of improving the World Pipe Band Championships but the bar has been set very high by this year's event."

Lord Provost Councillor Sadie Docherty, the Chieftain of this year's Worlds, said the competition had been "sensational". She added: "It's been an incredible summer which has been marked by the people of Glasgow and their incredible warmth, humour and hospitality."

The Championships mark the highlight of the city's Piping Live! festival, which attracts large numbers of visitors from overseas, here to play, spectate, or just act as volunteers.

It is estimated the festival contributes at least an extra £1m to Glasgow's economy, with thousands of people spending money on hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment.

Scott Taylor, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: "Every year we know the bands look forward to coming to Glasgow and we enjoy hosting them as the city becomes the global home of piping.

"It's easy to see why The Worlds is one of the most colourful and eagerly-anticipated events on the city's cultural calendar."