MORE than 1,000 people turned out to see the sun beam down on the St George's Day Parade in Worcester this afternoon.

Crowds gathered in Angel Place to cheer on the scout teams as they marched to the cathedral, where a special service was held.

The groups — including two full bands — then returned to Angel Place to take part in various activities.

Parade marshal Robert Sidley said he was "very pleased" with the turn out.

"Usually we have around 1,500 people come to watch the parade. Lots of people were in Angel Place early, it's really nice to see a lot of interest," he said.

"The scout groups in Worcester have been organising a St George's Day parade since the 1930s. Each year different branches of the scouts organise the parade, and this year it was the turn of the Sea Scouts.

"It's always great fun. The parade is basically a celebration of scouting, which is all about friendship and loyalty, and it gives the kids a chance to show off. It's also about the historical connection of course, with St George, who, as well as being the patron saint of England, he is also the scouts' saint.

"It's been a really great day, and the weather was beautiful. We've had rainy and cold parades before so it was much nicer to march in the sunshine."

Susan Cotterill, from St John's, said attending the parade is "a family tradition".

"This year I've come to see my two grandsons — William and Tom — in the parade as they are with the cubs and the beavers," she said.

"But we all come every year. William and Tom's father has done the parade with the beavers, the cubs, the scouts and the Army over the years so it really is a family tradition for us. It's lovely to see how many people come out to watch it too, and the cathedral service is always nice. The parade is very well-supported. I think it's important to support these events and show that you are proud of where you are from."