MORE than 350 Scouts, Explorers, Cubs and Beavers paraded with patriotic pride at a St George’s Day event in Basingstoke.

Brandishing colourful flags, Basingstoke West District groups lined up at Park View Junior School in Pinkerton Road, South Ham, for the march to a service in St Joseph’s Church.

Leading the group was a four-by-four truck, complete with Union and St George Cross flags draped on the bonnet and loud speakers in the back blaring out brass band music.

The youngsters kept in line as they marched along Pinkerton Road and St Michael’s Road to the church.

Here they formed up outside St Joseph’s in front of Scout leaders and the mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor George Hood. Flagbearers then formed a guard of honour to the entrance, while the rest entered.

Felicity Kumm, Basingstoke West District secretary, said: “It is great to have everyone rallied round, and an honour if you are lucky enough to be carrying a flag.”

One of the honoured few was Cub Taylor Butler, from Kempshott. The seven-year-old said: “I feel really happy to have been chosen to represent my Cubs. It is exciting.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of Basingstoke West District Scout Group. To celebrate, a new district flag was presented at the service.

And, of course, the all-important Scout promise was renewed before the congregation filed out and marched back to Park View Junior School.