Hundreds of patriotic Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and their leaders from across Waveney have proudly marched through two towns in honouring their patron saint.
Putting their best foot forward in a celebration of St George, two traditional services and parades have been held in Lowestoft and Bungay this afternoon (Sunday).
About 500 young people took part in the Lowestoft and District Scout Association's parade and annual service, with many proud families and local residents gathering along the route to watch.
With District Beaver Leader Gemma Eglington beating out the rhythm on a drum for the marchers as they paraded along St Margaret's Road to the church, the parade was headed by the District Explorer and Scout Network Unit followed by the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from the 1st Carlton Colville, 1st Pakefield, 4th Lowestoft, 1st Oulton Broad, 14th Lowestoft, 1st Blundeston and 2nd Carlton Colville groups.
And with every group in the district represented, the immaculately dressed six to 25-year-olds and their leaders gave a salute along the way to dignitaries assembled outside Poplars Primary School, including Waveney MP Peter Aldous, Mayor of Lowestoft Nick Webb, Lowestoft Scouts district commissioner Mel Buck, district chairman Brian Everitt, Scout Active Support manager for Suffolk Graham Baker and Elizabeth Hepburn, Divisional Commissioner for Lowestoft Guiding.
Outside the church entrance, the colour parties formed a traditional arch through which the parade and congregation passed. Once everyone was seated inside the church, the service was led by the Rev Michael Asquith. It 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.
There was also the chance to recall last year's successful Gang Show, with the song Scouting Mambo performed with lots of actions. It concluded with a blessing by Rev Asquith and a rendition of the hymn Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory, during which the colours were returned.
Mr Buck said the procession had been a great success once more. He said: 'This parade and service has been a tradition of scouting in Lowestoft for years, and it is important for the town.'
Waveney MP Peter Aldous said: 'For me this is the most important part of St George's Day and I am delighted to be here. I am very much aware of all the hard work that the scouts do nationally and internationally, and as ever Lowestoft has done the scouting network very proud with a magnificent display.'
The Waveney Valley District Scout Association – comprising of the 2nd Beccles, 5th Beccles, 1st Bungay, 1st Earsham, 1st Halesworth and 1st Southwold groups – enjoyed their parade and service.
Youngsters aged six upwards marched from the old grammar playing fields in the town to Bungay High School as they all joined together and later renewed their scouting promises.
Hilary Prior, district commissioner of the Waveney Valley scouts, also invited local guiding sections to join in with the procession on the day.
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