Scouts marched proudly through the streets of the county town in a St George's Day parade to celebrate their patron saint.

Around 800 scouts, cubs, beavers, and adult leaders descended upon Maidstone, making their way from Week Street to All Saint's Church in Mill Street to the sounds of The City of Rochester Pipe Band yesterday.

The uniformed youngsters were joined by the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Malcolm Greer, for the occasion who waved to them as they passed by Town Hall.

Attendees ended the march with a service at the Church, focussing on the plight of the area's homeless people and a collection for charity Homeless Care.

Carina Pay, district commissioner for Maidstone East scouts, said: It was a great opportunity to show the town that scouting is doing so well and as an adult in scouting it's a privilege to work with these young people and the impact it makes in their lives."

St George was chosen as the patron saint of scouting for his bravery in the face of adversity and boldly going into battle with the dragon, mirroring one of the scout promises to have courage in all difficulties.