Hundreds of Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and their leaders have proudly put their best foot forward to celebrate their patron saint St George.

Eastern Daily Press: The Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick HowesThe Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

On Sunday afternoon the Lowestoft District Scout Association's annual parade was held in the town involving more than 500 patriotic youngsters.

As District Beaver Leader Gemma Eglington beat out the rhythm on a drum for the marchers, the District Explorer and Scout Network Unit led the procession followed by the colony, pack and troop of each group.

As they paraded along St Margaret's Road to the church, proud families and residents watched the smartly dressed six to 25-year-olds and their leaders march in formation.

The parade included the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from 1st Pakefield, 4th Lowestoft, 1st Oulton Broad, 14th Lowestoft, 1st Blundeston, 2nd Carlton Colville and 1st Carlton Colville groups.

Eastern Daily Press: The Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick HowesThe Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

The leaders gave a salute along the way to dignitaries assembled outside Poplars Primary School, including Waveney MP Peter Aldous, Suffolk Fire Service District Commander Paul Field, Lowestoft Scouts District Commissioner Mel Buck, District Chairman Brian Everitt, Deputy County Commissioner Keith Barber and Assistant Divisional Commissioner for Lowestoft Guiding Pat Whittaker.

Outside the church entrance, the colour parties formed a traditional arch through which the parade and congregation passed.

The service, led by the Rev Michael Asquith, featured prayers, hymns and readings as well as a renewal of the Beaver, Cub and Scout promises and ended with the singing of the national anthem.

Mr Buck said: 'True to our motto 'Be Prepared' and after getting a soaking at the open air Remembrance Service last year, we have recently bought waterproof jackets for our youngsters – but we certainly didn't need them today – as there was glorious sunshine for the parade.

Eastern Daily Press: The Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick HowesThe Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

The St George's Day parade and service has been a tradition of scouting in Lowestoft for years and it still remains important for us.'

Eastern Daily Press: The Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick HowesThe Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick HowesThe Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick HowesThe Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick HowesThe Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick HowesThe Lowestoft Scouts St George's day parade. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)