SCOUTS and Guides across Wyre Forest marked English patron saint's day with St George's parades in Kidderminster and Stourport.

Both took place on Sunday, the day before the saint's feast day of April 23 and coincided with the centenary year of Scouting.

Kidderminster's parade, attended by around 950 Scouters, Guiders and invited guests, passed through the town, with a salute taken outside the Town Hall, in front of dignitaries, on the return journey.

A service was held in the Wyrer Forest Glades Leisure Centre, with proceeds from a collection going to the World Friendship Fund.

Vicar of Kidderminster, Canon owain Bell, led the service and Stourport Brass Band provided musical accompaniment.

In Stourport, the parade began at the town's Memorial Park, marching on to Stourport Civic Centre for a celebration service.

The order of service was prepared by St Michael's Scout Group and led by Rev Paul Booth, Stourport's Methodist Minister, who took along his ventriloquist dummy, Alex, to talk to the Scouts and Guides.

Following the service, those attending marched back to the Memorial Park. Around 300 Scouts and Guides took part. Stourport Scout Fellowship provided back-up services.

See St George's picture gallery (kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/ksgallery/ for more than 50 photos from Sunday's parade in Kidderminster.