LARGE crowds gathered as more than 1,200 people from the scout movement gathered for the St George’s Day parade in Worcester today (Sunday).

Beavers, scouts, cubs and their families gathered in Angel Place ahead of the parade to Worcester Cathedral which featured a surprise addition this year, a talking, roaring, smoke-breathing dragon.

The honour of organising the parade this year fell to the 7th Worcester Scouts who said the dragon took over 300 hours to build.

Cam March, group Scout leader for the 7th Worcester Scouts (Powick and Callow End) said the dragon had been fitted with an amplifier and its own built-in Wi-Fi unit to allow it to operate, designed to say ‘good afternoon mayor’ at the service in Worcester Cathedral.

Made by a carpenter who works for the National Trust, the dragon added an extra drama to this year’s proceedings.

The standard bearer for the beavers was Thomas Kent while Lewis Ray carried the standard for the cubs and Erin Ross and Reagan Ferreia carried the standard for the scouts.

Bands playing during the parade included the 5th Worcester Sea Scouts and the 1st Malvern Company Boys Brigade band with crowds gathering in Angel Place, Broad Street and the High Street to enjoy the spectacle.

One of those watching was 47-year-old veteran Darren Greenwood of Lower Broadheath, wearing the red rose of England.

Mr Greenwood, who served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and has worked as a firefighter, said: “It’s part of our heritage. It’s great. I think they (the scouts) have pride and discipline and that’s fantastic for children and young teenagers their age.”

Brian Jenkins, the assistant district commissioner, said the parade would likely be larger than previous years with more than 1,200 people involved as membership continues to grow.

He said: “St George is the patron saint of scouting as well as many other things. It gives people pride, being part of the Scout movement."

Meanwhile, the Commandery in Sidbury played host to 'Mummers, Merriment and Masquerade' which featured a play showing St George slaying the dragon.

Alex Bear, aged 22, dressed in armour and wielded a spear, sword and shield as he killed the dragon, played by David Wormington.

St George also found time to rescue a Turkish princess played by Anna Rozwalka and slew a bombastic Turkish knight with comic moments coming courtesy of Death, eager to carry off the wounded St George, and a mischievous Devil.

It is the second time the Mummers' Play has been put on at the Commandery said one of the organisers, Oli Carey. Visitors were also treated to musket firing displays by English Civil War re-enactors and could try their hand at Squire School.