UP to 1,500 youngsters, beautifully turned out in their uniforms, paraded around Colchester to celebrate St George’s Day.

The annual parade through Colchester town centre saw members from about 27 different scout groups come together.

The scouts left Britannia car park in the afternoon and walked through the town via Head Street and the High Street.

They went past the town hall and finished in Castle Park.

Scouts from Colchester’s North and Estuary districts took part in the yearly event as well as guides from Colchester north and south.

The group was led by parade marshal Duncan Kury, who leads the 12th Colchester Sea Scouts.

He said: “It has been more than ten years since I started leading the parade.

“It was fantastic weather to be out in this year. We also had the Colchester Boy’s Brigade band performing with us.

“The parade was led by the Colchester scouts band and the High Street was absolutely thronged.

“It always helps when it is a nice day as well.It was a good turn out.”Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell attended the parade as president of the Colchester scouting group.

Colchester MP Will Quince also joined the dignitaries along with mayor Gerard Oxford.

Families of the scouts joined them after the parade for a picnic on Hollytrees Meadow.

Mr Kury added: “We tried to add a few more elements to it this year so afterwards we had a picnic in the park.

“We invited all the parents to bring food along and there was a number of people from the bands offering taster sessions to children.”

St George’s Day, also known as the Feast of St George, is recognised by Christian churches which celebrate the life of the patron saint.

Girl guide groups taking part included: 1st Myland Guides, 3rd West Bergholt Brownies, Welshwood Rainbows, 19th Colchester Guides, 20th Colchester Brownies, 23rd Colchester Brownies, 2nd Magdalen Wood Rainbows,9th Colchester Guides, 1st Tey Rainbows, 1st Eight Ash Green Brownies, 1st Marks Tey Brownies, 1st Monkwick Brownies, 14th Colchester Guides, 2nd Colchester Brownies