Heart-warming St George's Day parade in Bognor Regis

Shoppers and store workers stopped and clapped as Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Explorers marched through the town centre on their annual St George’s Day parade.

They were joined in the procession by Rainbows, Guides and Brownies as well as the groups’ leaders.

Helena McGivern’s son James was one of those taking part, she said: “It does make you very proud to see them all marching.

“From the teenagers to the very young they all put a lot of effort into the parade and it really shows,” added the 38-year-old.

Bystander Harold Finton, 76, said: “I came out of the shop to see what was going on and I am very glad I did.

“It was really heart-warming to see all the young people dressed smartly, walking through the town.

“Organisations like the scouts and guides are something positive young people can get involved in and it is nice to see that so many of them do.”

With the TS Sussex band in front, the parade, which took place last Sunday left Edward Bryant Primary School on London Road and ended at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church on Clarence Road.

Once at the church the young people lined up before entering the building.

The Scouts’ district chaplain, the Rev Andy Lowe, led the service in which the different sections of the Scouts and Guides renewed the promises they took when they were invested.

Rev Lowe also welcomed several special guests including MP Nick Gibb, Arun District Council’s chairman Dennis Wilde, and Bognor Regis Town mayor Jim Brooks.

Hymes, bidding prayers and a performance by the Explorers also featured.

A series of individual awards were also presented.