North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, has said his country could defend itself in any war started by the US.

He was making a rare public speech as part of mass celebrations in the capital, Pyongyang, to mark the 70th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party.

Thousands of soldiers - many carrying red banners - marched past him through the main square in tight formation.

Tanks and missiles were also on display.

Tanks rolled past the podium where Mr Kim spoke, with an aircraft flypast forming the number 70.

"Iron spirit and the united forces of our army and people have enabled us to break through the imperialists' sanctions and isolation, are forcing the enemies to extreme anxiety and fear," he said.

"The party's revolutionary armament means we are ready to fight any kind of war waged by the US imperialists."

Later, as the parade continued, tens of thousands of civilians, including school-children, danced and waved coloured pom-poms.

State television carried the events live, adding an emotional commentary.