Strings of sausages, woolly sheep and an Asian prince and princess of Gravesham – it may not have been the most strictly traditional of St George’s Day parades, but it was certainly a head-turner.

More than 700 children from 15 schools took part in the Town’s annual festivities.

While St George was there – in person, in paper mache and on stilts with his damsel in distress - grappling with the dragon, there were also Indian drummers and celebrations of the Saint’s patronage over other things.

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As well as being England’s saint, St George is also the patron of shepherds and sheep, butchers, and horses.

Gurvinder Singh Sandher, head of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council (KECC), organises the parade each year and said: “This is really well established now, when I first started it I wanted to use St George’s Day to bring the community together and you can really see that now. It’s great to see everyone working together.”

Arts company Same Sky went into the schools and helped the children make all their costumes and placards.

VIDEO: 700 children march in Gravesend for St George's Day celebrations

One of the artists Paul Render, said: “We help every year, but wanted to do something a bit different from just the dragons this time, and the kids have loved making the sheep and the sausage strings. St George is also the patron for lepers, but we thought we’d leave that one out.”

People lined the streets as the human train of colourful artwork snaked through New Road and up to the Community Square.

Dean Parker, proud father of 8-year-old Jacob who was representing Shears Green Junior School on the day said: “This is my son’s first time joining a parade and I think the whole thing is really brilliant. It brings out the English spirit.”

Linda Ferrari, 53, from Gravesend watched her granddaughter Ellie, eight, from Holy Trinity primary.

“I am very proud of her. The event is absolutely fantastic. It’s really amazing to see different cultures in this celebration get together.”

The celebrations came to an end after a rendition of Happy Birthday for The Queen, the national anthem and speeches by Gurvinda, Mayor Mick Wenban and special guest the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, Viscount De L’Isle.

During the parade the Viscount, who represents The Queen, said: “The children have worked jolly hard getting ready for today. It’s the only St George’s Day parade I’m attending this year and it’s a very welcoming atmosphere. A lot of people have migrated to Kent, bringing their skills, cultures and arts - we are now a homogeneous society and you can see that here.”

Re-enacter Russell Palmer was dressed in full armour as St George and led the parade. He said: “It is a brilliant event. The costume weighs 6st so it is heavy, but it’s nice to be here as St. George and to see everybody get together.”

For all the pictures see the Gravesend Messenger next Thursday, April 28.