York has come together to celebrate the international day of older people.

As previously reported by The Press, the United Nations designated day, today on September 28, was created to raise awareness and recognise the opportunities and challenges that older people face.

The day saw a large parade begin at York Theatre Royal, before processing through Exhibition Square, Museum Gardens, and back to St Helen's Square.

Attendees were dressed in a variety of butterfly themed outfits, and dancing whilst they made their way to the square.

On arrival, the Lord Mayor of York - Cllr Margret Wells - thanked all who were taking part.

The Lord Mayor of York, the Sherriff of York, and organisers from Parkinson's UK and the York Older People’s Assembly (Image: Harry Booth)

"Older people are important, older people make a difference," she said.

Cllr Wells also spoke of the influence her own grand mother had on her life, recalling the wisdom she shared with her from a young age.

York Older People’s Assembly were the day's main organisers. They were joined by Age UK York, Older Citizens Advocacy York and Parkinson’s UK.

Professor Dianne Wilcocks, the event convener, said: "It is a day that has been blessed by the good will of people old and young people in York.

"We've got over 50 people, maybe 60, who've contributed to a beautiful parade from the theatre and through the gardens to here.

The parade began at York Theatre Royal (Image: Harry Booth)

"We've been waving butterflies and showing lots of positive messages about aging on placards.

"And we've been giving away butterflies to every little child that has passed by and they've loved it."

After meeting with Parkinson's UK, and enjoying their live music, the parade continued to the St Sampson's centre for over 60s, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary.

Prof Wilcocks added: "It's very much a coming of together of people just thinking about older people which is highly appropriate for the day.

Some 50 people joined the parade (Image: Harry Booth)

"We've met up with our friends at Parkinson's UK who have this lovely installation in St Helen's square.

"Of course, the lord mayor and the sheriff have honoured us with their presence as well. Margaret gave a beautiful speech about the importance of older people in her life and all our lives.

"I think the point of days like this is just to give older people more visibility in our wider communities.

"We've seen that the good folk of York love seeing us like this, its been fun."