ABOUT 600 Scouts patriotically paraded through Worcester city centre for their annual St George's Day march.

Hundreds of proud parents and Sunday shoppers lined the streets to watch Scout groups from across the city and beyond march behind the flag of St George, which flew alongside the Union flag.

Although light rain threatened to dampen people's spirits in the build up, the sun shone on the Scouts as they set off from Angel place just after 1.30pm, marched along Broad Street and the High Street before finishing at Worcester Cathedral, where a special service took place.

This year's service was conducted by 10th Worcester (Crown East) Scouts with a theme focusing on conservation and the environment.

One of the event's organisers, deputy district commissioner Sue Ranscombe, of 6th Worcester (Kempsey) Scouts, who has been involved in 30 parades, said it was a proud day for everyone.

She said: "It is about St George because he is the patron saint of Scouting. We renew our promises when we get into the Cathedral as part of the service.

"The parade makes you feel part of the biggest youth movement and it makes you feel very proud, not only to be a Scout but to be British as well."

Romy Clarke, aged 10, said she was carrying 5th Worcester's flag even though it was her first parade.

"I have never done it before but I'm actually feeling quite excited and proud of myself for carrying our flag," she said.

Her brother Raymond, aged 12, of Barbourne, Worcester, said: "I have done the parade before and it's all right I suppose but marching through town can be a bit daunting with everyone looking at you."

Fred Watts, aged 12, of St John's, who belongs to 9th Worcester (Hallow) Scouts, said he enjoyed the parades.

"You get to meet up with people from other troops and it's fun to see all of the people waving you on," he said.

Kate Gynn, assistant leader of 8th Inca Scouts (Claines), said she thought the parade was a good way of raising the profile of Scouting in the community.

"It's good to raise public interest and get people to see us out and about," said the 30-year-old, who is from Barbourne, Worcester.

"There has been talk of changing the format and of not going to the Cathedral but the racecourse instead because we need to attract younger people."