IPSWICH/FELIXSTOWE: Patriotic Beavers, Cubs and Scouts descended on Ipswich and Felixstowe to take part in their annual St George’s Day parade.

Crowds lined the streets as hundreds of youngsters from Wolsey District Scouts and Orwell District Scouts celebrated England’s patron saint.

Assembling on the Cornhill in Ipswich yesterday afternoon, members of Wolsey District Scouts paraded through Ipswich town centre to St Mary-le-Tower Church for a service led by Reverend Andrew Dotchin.

The parade was led by Wolsey District Commissioner Brian Clampin and was also attended by Mayor of Ipswich Mary Blake.

He said: “It was an excellent turn out which we always hope for. “It’s an occasion for us to be on display instead of hiding away in our headquarters.

“It’s a long-held tradition with every Scout group across the country having an event.”

Mr Clampin added: “It’s very important to mark St George’s Day because it gives youngsters an opportunity to all go to a service together, whatever their denomination, and it’s another occasion when they realise how big the Scouting movement is.

“It’s a worldwide organisation they are a part of.”

In Felixstowe, members of Orwell District Scouts enjoyed the sunshine and paraded from the prom to the Spa Pavilion while their families lined the route.

During the services, Cubs, Scouts and leaders were able to renew their scouting promise.

St George’s Day is an important date in the Scouting calendar as St George is the patron saint of Scouts.

n How will you be celebrating St George’s Day tomorrow? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email starletters@archant.co.uk