CROWDS lined the streets of Colchester to watch more than 1,000 scouts and guides take part in the annual St George’s Day parade.

Sunshine welcomed the youngsters as they made their way from the Britannia car park today before walking along St John’s Street, Head Street and the High Street.

As they passed the town hall, dignitaries, including Mayor Christopher Arnold and MP Sir Bob Russell, saluted the passing parade.

Duncan Kury, parade mashall, said: “Other places have started to move away from parades, but we take the view we are a garrison town.

“There are very few places where parades still happen and we often get an 80 or 90 per cent turn out from our scouts.

“The scouts all want to carry the organisation colours and like to show off their uniforms and badges.”

Picture special in Monday's Gazette