Dalai Lama takes to the stage – with Russell Brand

The Dalai Lama was joined by outspoken comedian Russell Brand as he addressed thousands of young people at the Manchester Arena yesterday.

Brand has long supported the Tibetan cause, and said it was an "honour" to play master of ceremonies as the spiritual leader, 76, gave a talk entitled: "Stand up and be the Change". When asked why he chose Manchester to start his UK visit, the Dalai Lama joked: "Things are cheaper here."