Obama claims victory

One of the longest and hardest fought political primary campaigns in recent American history has ended with a declaration of victory by Barack Obama.

The senator from Illinois had to wait until the very last day of the primary season to win enough votes to secure the Democratic Party's nomination.

Despite losing to his rival Hillary Clinton in South Dakota, the votes he won there, plus his victory in Montana, carried him over the threshold needed.

Mr Obama told an excited crowd in Minnesota that his victory was a turning point for America.