HUNDREDS of beavers, cubs and scouts paraded from Centenary Square to Bradford Cathedral today to mark St George's Day.

Onlookers including proud parents and relatives lined Market Street to wave as scouting groups from across the district made their way to the cathedral for the annual West Yorkshire County Scout Council Service.

West Yorkshire County Commissioner Mark Stageman was among the special guests and Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Geoff Reid was on the steps of City Hall to take the salute.

Two of the district's newest scouting groups took part in the parade. Josie Taylor who is the 69th Buttershaw Scout Group leader said: "We're proud to be part of this. We'll be four years old next month so are one of Bradford's youngest groups with about 40 members so far and growing. The 70th Woodside group also joined the parade in a sea of greens, blues and browns.

The band from 18th Queensbury Scout group was at the head of the flag-bearing procession. Liz Fiddaman who is the group's Beavers leader said: "This is a fantastic occasion. It's wonderful to see so many people here taking part in the parade but also coming out to see us. Scouting is thriving in Bradford, everywhere has got waiting lists to join."

Yesterday, families in Keighley enjoyed children’s fairground style rides and street entertainers at Church Green, in the town, as part of the weekend of festivities for St George's Day.