In pictures: Election result reaction

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and his family arrive on stage for his election night victory rally at Grant Park

Democratic Senator Barack Obama has been elected the first black president of the United States, according to projected results.

Republican presidential candidate John McCain concedes defeat

His rival John McCain accepted defeat, saying "I deeply admire and commend" Mr Obama. He called on his supporters to lend the next president their goodwill.

Gene Rounds dances as he attends an outdoor election-night gathering to watch the returns of the US presidential election come in on 125th Street in the Harlem district of New York City

As the US presidential election came to a climax supporters of the two main candidates began to react to news of the results.

Obama supporters celebrate as they hear Illinois has been called for their candidate

Democratic Senator Barack Obama won two key battleground states early on, giving him a strong lead in the presidential race.

Obama supporters gather in Grant Park, Chicago

Thousands came to Grant Park, Chicago, where Mr Obama addressed an election-night rally.

Obama supporters in Grant Park during an election-night gathering

The mood was upbeat as the results were called. A million people were expected to attend the Grant Park event.

A guest is interviewed during the election-night rally of Republican presidential nominee US Senator John McCain

A subdued atmosphere marked the election-night rally of Republican John McCain as it became clear that Mr Obama was surging ahead in the count.

Guests watch polling results on television during the election-night rally of Republican presidential nominee US Senator John McCain

Mr McCain is projected to have won: Kentucky, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Kansas, North Dakota, Wyoming, Georgia, Louisiana, West Virginia, Texas.

Democratic Party supporter Monica Stith reacts to results in the US presidential race in Columbus, Ohio

Mr Obama is projected to have seized states including Ohio, New Mexico and Iowa - all Republican wins in 2004.

Georgia Representative Roberta Abdul-Salaam (L) hugs Christine Farris King, who is the sister of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., at Ebenezer Baptist Church