MORE than 500 Scouts from across west Wiltshire descended on Warminster on Sunday for their annual St George's Day parade.

Scout groups from Warminster, Westbury, Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon, Melksham and surrounding villages started the parade in Warminster Park and were led through the town centre, accompanied by the Wyvern Band from Devizes.

Pete Owen, 67, of St John's Road, Warminster, and vice-chairman of Wiltshire West Scout District, said: "St George is the patron saint of scouts so this is a big annual event for us. It reminds the girls and boys of the promises they made and to think about things past and future."

Different groups all took their flags and the Union and St George's flags were at the head of the parade. Mr Owen said: "There were about 60 flags in total each group had a flag for Cubs, Beavers and Scouts, and some for Explorers, and there was quite a crowd watching."

The parade paused at Warminster School sports hall for a service led by the Rev Dennis Brett of St John's Church, Warminster.

A new fellowship flag for older members was dedicated in memory of a former scout helper, Elaine Denman, who died a couple of years ago.

Awards were presented by Robin Fewings to Pat Maslin, who received the silver acorn, and Jack Bowden who received the silver wolf, one of the highest awards in Scouting. Gerald Padfield, of Maranatha Church, Trowbridge, provided the music during the service.

The parade continued to the Obelisk in Warminster town centre, where Scouts marched past and saluted members of the town and district councils and the Scout District Commissioner.

Parade marshal Gary Edwards and flag marshal Norman Metcalfe led the procession back to the park, where refreshments were provided.

  • In Trowbridge red silk roses were handed out to shoppers to celebrate St George's Day.

Sisters Averil Beresford and Sally Taylor and their grandchildren, six-year-olds Joe and Abby and Ellen, three, all dressed up in red, white and blue and handed out the free flowers.