THE patron Saint of England was celebrated by Scouts in Basingstoke at an annual parade.

Last Sunday, members of the Basingstoke East Scout district took part in their annual St George’s Day parade which saw parade participants carrying a flag of the St George Cross.

After the parade, organised by the 1st Popley Scouts and which started at Popley Community Park, 500 Scouts, Cubs and Beavers attended a service at St Bede’s Church, in Popley Way.

Keith Hawkins, assistant district commissioner for Basingstoke East Scout group, told The Gazette: “It went very well and although the weather was not as good as it could have been, it didn’t dampen the spirits of all who took part.”