Simon Cowell and the BGT judges arrive in Manchester for the first day of auditions

Simon Cowell and David Walliams arrived at the Manchester Britain's Got Talent auditions in an unusual mode of transport this afternoon.

We saw them float across the river and onto the red carpet in a boat car hybrid.

Amanda and Alesha preferred to stay on dry land bringing dreary Manchester to life with bright coloured outfits.

Simon looks in high spirits leaving his hotel