Hundreds of Scout members from across north Norfolk marched proudly through a town centre today (Sunday) to mark St George's Day.

The 500-strong parade in North Walsham started at the Memorial Park and stopped in the Market Place where flag bearers formed a guard of honour at the door to St Nicholas Parish Church, before a church service.

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts involved ranged from six-17-years-old and came from Aylsham; Blakeney; Buxton Lamas; Cromer; Hainford and Frettenham; Holt; Hoveton and Wroxham; Mundesley; North Walsham; Rural Roughton Mill; Salhouse; Sheringham and Beeston Regis; Stalham; and West Runton.

As well as being patron saint of England, St George was chosen as patron saint of the Scout movement by its founder Robert Baden-Powell.

The parade was led by the 901 Troop Marine Cadets band and drum corps from Winterton and each group held their flags with pride.

Rena Savage, district commissioner for the north-east Norfolk Scout group, said: 'The parade is hugely important. It is the one time in the year when the district comes together. The parade is to reaffirm our promise. It is important for young people to see the tradition.

'We are bringing a lot of people together and it is good for North Walsham as St George is part of its heritage. It is different.'

The north-east Norfolk Scout group arranges the parade, which is held at different towns or villages each year.

Mrs Savage added the Scout groups allowed youngsters to do something different and the numbers of people signing up to groups was increasing.

There are currently about 900 children and teenagers involved in the groups across the district.

Michael Dixon, group Scout leader of 1st Stalham Sea Scouts, said: 'Because St George is our patron saint the parade helps to get young people to show respect. It is about involvement. It is with pride we can go out as a whole group.'

He added: 'Being part of a Scout group allows young people to get outside and away from the games consoles. It offers fun and adventure.'

There were more than 60 members of the 1st Stalham Sea Scouts in the parade.

India Childs, 13, from Stalham, who is part of the sea Scouts group, said: 'It is a really nice atmosphere. It is nice because we can join together as a branch and we get to meet other Scouts from other places.

'St George was brave and strong and looked after people. He was a role model. Those are the qualities that Scouts strive to have.'

The Stalham High School student has been in the group since she was 11-years-old and added it has given her confidence and the chance to learn outdoor skills.

Teacher Claire Knights, 37, from Hevingham, whose son was in the parade, said: 'It is fantastic to see so many young people from a small area. I'm amazed how many people are involved. It is really good for young people to get involved in something like this. St George is part of our history and heritage and the parade makes children aware of it.'

Her son Oliver, seven, is part of the Buxton Beavers and she said it has helped him learn social skills as well as becoming independent.

John Paine, group Scout leader for Sheringham, said the parade allowed the groups to be seen by the community.

For more information about Scout groups in the area visit http://scouts.org.uk

For more information about other St George's Day parades in Norfolk buy tomorrow's EDP.