CUBS and Scouts from all over East Lancashire donned their uniforms and marched through towns as they celebrated St George's Day.

Sunday services and parades were held in Blackburn and Accrington to commemorate the patron saint of scouting.

In Accrington the Baden Powell Scout Association held its largest annual event in the town with more than 300 youngsters from all over the North West taking part in the parade.

John Norris, organiser of the parade from Thorneyholme Road to St Mary Magdelene's Church in the town said: "It is the biggest event in our calendar.

"To mark the occasion we had the chief scout Laurie Dring with us and the Baden Powell Scout Band from Northumberland as well as Reg Sington, the president of our association, in town."

The breakaway scout association was formed in 1966 and still follows the original scouting laws introduced by Lord Baden Powell.

Elsewhere Scouting Association parades were held with a parade from Accrington Town Hall to Sacred Heart Church.

In Blackburn 1,000 people commemorated the day with a parade through the town followed by a service at King George's Hall led by the Rev Brian Stevenson.

Guests of honour included Alan Fawcett, assistant county commissioner, Anne McGonagle, Blackburn Guide's divisional commissioner, and Joyce Flitcroft, deputy district commissioner.

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