THE sound of drums marked the return of the annual Scouts St George's Day parade to Newport after it was scrapped last year due to the weather.

More than 400 children and their leaders turned out in the city centre for the march yesterday in honour of St George, the Patron Saint of England and the scouting movement.

In 2012, the youngsters lost their yearly April gathering to rain and high winds, but this time they just had a few spots of rain to contend with.

Mayor John Guy awaited the 15 groups of Cubs, Beavers and Scouts, along with two Explorer units by the city's post office and as they made their way from High Street, he gave a salute.

Flags belonging to the different groups and music from the Rogerstone Scout Band and Boys Brigade Band made sure the streets were not short of colour and music.

Cllr Guy, a former scout master at Usk, said: "I'm proud to be part of it. The whole future of Newport is our youngsters."

Shoppers and passers-by stood and watched as the groups made their way to St Mark's Church for a service about 'the promise.'

Lyndon Radford, 44, was supporting son Dafydd, 9, a member of 1st Llanmartin Cubs.

Sadly his other son Ewan, 6, had to give his first parade a miss due to illness.

"I think it's a great event. I did it myself as a child, it brings back the memories," said the proud dad.

Before the parade set off off, Lucinda Cheshire, 41, said her son Callum, 7, of 25th Newport Beavers, was looking forward to taking part for the first time.

"He's very excited. It's wonderful to see the kids get together and the people who have come out to support them."