Scouts march for St George

Hundreds of scouts from across Shropshire showed their civic pride by brushing down their uniforms to march through the streets of Shrewsbury to mark St George's Day.The parade is held in the county every year to celebrate the day, but yesterday was the first time in 15 years the Scouts have been allowed to walk through the county town.

Scouts, beavers, cubs and explorers of all ages donned all their finery for the event, which brought together scout movements from across the Shropshire borders district.

Many of the town centre roads were closed for about an hour so the march could make its way through the town.

Youngsters between the ages of six and 18, along with their leaders, joined the parade from the Quarry before parading through the town to St Chad's Church.

The mayor of Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council, Councillor Roger Evans, along with the County Chairman Stan Jones took the salute during the parade.

There was then a commemorative service in the church to mark St George - who is the patron saint of scouting as well as England.

Philip Scott, Shropshire borders district secretary, said: "It went as planned fortunately and the weather stayed dry."