THERE were no dragons, but plenty of Beavers at Radcliffe's St George's Day celebrations.

Undeterred by Sunday's (April 22) appalling weather, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts assembled at Red Bank Fields for the annual parade.

And helping to swell their numbers were local Rainbows, Brownies and Guides who, as tradition dictates, were invited to take part.

With standards aloft and pride in their hearts, the patriotic youngsters marched through the streets to St Thomas' Church for a special service.

On the way they saluted Mr Mike Edwards, the district chairman for Scouts; Mrs Anne Rule, the district commissioner for Radcliffe North Guides; and Mrs Ann Urmston, the district commissioner for Radcliffe South Guides.

In the church, where space was more limited than usual because of the refurbishment work that is taking place, the Rev Chich Hewitt gave a timely speech about Christ's resurrection.

He drew a parallel between a Bible story and a rescue mission by Sir Ernest Shackleton and his two fellow adventurers to demonstrate that the risen Christ's presence is just as strong today as it has always been.

Assistant Guide Guider Jean Hargreaves said: "Considering the weather, and the fact that it was still the Easter holidays, we were very pleased with the turn out."