Hundreds of patriotic Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and their leaders from across Waveney proudly marched through two towns to honour their patron saint.
Putting their best foot forward in a celebration of St George, two traditional services and parades were held in Lowestoft and Beccles this afternoon (Sunday).
More than 600 young people took part in the Lowestoft and District Scout Association's parade and annual service in honour of the patron saint of Scouting and England.
The parade was headed by the District Explorer and Scout Network Unit followed by the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from 2nd Carlton Colville, 1st Carlton Colville, 1st Pakefield, 4th Lowestoft, 1st Oulton Broad, 14th Lowestoft and 1st Blundeston groups.
And with every group in the district represented, proud families and local residents gathered along the route to watch the smartly dressed six to 18-year-olds and their leaders march by.
A salute was given along the way to dignitaries assembled outside Poplars Primary School, including Waveney MP Peter Aldous, Mayor of Lowestoft Stephen Ardley, Lowestoft Scouts district commissioner Mel Buck, district Scout chairman Brian Everett, assistant county commissioner for beavers Brian Harvey and Lowestoft division commissioner for guides Elizabeth Hepburn.
Outside the church entrance, the colour parties formed a traditional arch through which the parade and congregation passed. And once everyone was seated inside the church, as the hail fell outside, a rousing rendition of happy birthday and three cheers – in honour of The Queen's 90th birthday – started proceedings.
The service, led by the Rev Michael Asquith and the Rev Roger Key, began with the singing of the national anthem God Save the Queen and featured prayers, hymns and readings as well as a renewal of the Beaver, Cub and Scout promises.
It concluded with a blessing by Mr Key and a rendition of the hymn Mine eyes have seen the Glory, during which the colours were returned.
Event organiser Jonathan Barker said the procession had been a great success.
At Beccles, the 5th Beccles Scout Group hosted the traditional St George's Day parade and service for the Waveney Valley District Scout Association.
About 250 people – including six scout groups from Beccles, Bungay, Earsham, Halesworth and Southwold – were part of the event.
Youngsters aged six upwards from 2nd Beccles, 5th Beccles, 1st Bungay, 1st Earsham, 1st Halesworth and 1st Southwold all joined together, as the service was conducted in front of about 500 people in a packed St Michael's Church.
Brian Aylett, trustee of the Scout, Guides, HQ management committee, said: 'All in all it was a real success. The turnout was excellent and they all came from across the district to renew their promises.'
? Have you got a Waveney story? Email mark.boggis@archant.co.uk
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