KIDDERMINSTER groups and residents took to the streets yesterday morning (Sunday, April 28) to join in the annual St. George's Day parade.

The Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Guides, Brownies and Rainbows all marched through the town to mark the day, starting from the New Road, up Prospect Hill, and along Bromsgrove Street.

The groups then separated to join special church services with different themes.

The annual parade, which involved over 1000 participants, was led by WF8 (St. John's) with the Kings Norton Youth Marching Band & the Halesowen Scout Band.

The year's theme for the Guides Brownies and Rainbows was 'New Beginnings,' and the groups proceeded down Coventry Street for their service at Baxter Church.

The Cubs and Beavers attended a service St. Georges Church, celebrating their theme of 'Scouting Around the World,' with their collection going to the charities Mentor Link and Home Start.

The Scouts, Explorers & Young Leaders continued along Radford Avenue to the Horsefair, Church Fields then to St. Mary's Church for their service.

Following the Church services, the groups reassembled and marched back to the New Road passing the Town Hall.

The town mayor Martin Stooke gave the salute outside the Town Hall. 

Paul Goodyear, Deputy District Commissioner of the Wyre Forest Scouts, said: "The event went extremely well, it was a fantastic day.

"It was a good turnout and the weather was kind to us.

"I would like to thank all our marshals on the day."