MORE than 1,500 Scouts from across Gwent marched through Newport yesterday to celebrate 100 years of the movement.

The sun was shining as police vehicles guided the youngsters from the Civic Centre to Rodney Parade and back again.

A further 500 well-wishers looked on as the parade saluted the Mayor of Newport, Miqdad al-Nuami, and the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, Simon Boyle, outside Newport railway station.

Newport Rugby Club's Rodney Parade stadium was the venue for a service taken by the chaplain of Newport District Scouts, Reverend David Parfitt, at around 3pm.

The Gwent area commissioner John Hodgetts then led the gathering in a renewal of the Scout's Promise and the laws of the movement.

The event brought together Scouts, Cubs and Beavers from the whole of Gwent for the first time as part of nationwide celebrations of the centenary.

It was also attended by Jessica Morden, MP for Newport East, and Gwent Police Chief Constable Mike Tonge.

Supporting the event were former Scouts such as Paul Knight, a 56-year-old builder from Pontnewydd, Cwmbran.

He said: "It was a really nice parade, lots of smiling faces.

"Scouting is important because it teaches youngsters skills, manners and respect, and it's a chance to make friends. It deserves all the funding it can get."

Scouting groups in Gwent boast around 3,500 members.

"The future is good for Scouting in this part of Wales," said David Pollard, 48, district commissioner for Newport Scouts.

For more information visit www.scouts.org.uk or all 01633 679063.