HUNDREDS of members of the Scouting movement turned out for the annual parade through the city to mark St George’s Day.

Crowds of people lined the streets as Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, and their adult leaders came together from across the Newport district to celebrate the Patron Saint of Scouting.

South Wales Argus: Scouts, Cubs and Beavers march through Newport on St George's Day.www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

Children as young as six took part in the parade, which saw 14 sections assemble on Cambrian Road in the afternoon sunshine.

Led by the Newport Scout and Guide Band, the procession moved up from the starting point and set off along Bridge Street towards the Civic Centre.

South Wales Argus: Scouts, Cubs and Beavers march through Newport on St George's Day.www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

Several proud parents and family members followed dutifully along the route, including Siobhan Wiltshire, whose two sons were marching in the 1st Rogerstone section.

She said: “They’ve been with the Scouts since they were six. It’s just great for keeping them active. It’s fun, varied and has a real outdoor focus.”

Adrian and Ann Banwell were watching with pride as their granddaughter, Katie McNeill, acted as flag bearer for the St George’s flag at the front of the parade.

“It means so much for her, she really takes it to heart. We’re all very proud,” said Mr Banwell.

South Wales Argus: Scouts, Cubs and Beavers march through Newport on St George's Day.www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

From the Civic Centre the parade turned up Serpentine Road and onto Gold Tops to St Mark’s Church, where they were met by Mayor and Mayoress of Newport, David and Carole Atwell.

The pair had assisted the 6th Newport section in bag packing at the Tesco store in Spytty, raising £324 for the group.

The former High Sheriff of Gwent, Lieutenant Colonel, Andrew Tuggey, was also among dignitaries present at the service.

South Wales Argus: Scouts, Cubs and Beavers march through Newport on St George's Day.www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

A service at the church followed and was led by Reverend Dr. Paul Thompson, with the British and Welsh national anthems opening the service.

In his welcome, Reverend Thompson said: “It’s great to see a large church like this field in this way on this day every year.”

South Wales Argus: Scouts, Cubs and Beavers march through Newport on St George's Day.www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

The service saw Scouts of all ages, past and present, renew their promises in front of more than 500 people – with even the church gallery full.

Alternative promises were also available for members of different faiths, reinforcing the parade’s theme of “unity”.

Music was performed by the Explorer Scout Orchestra under the direction of Explorer Scout Elliot King.

South Wales Argus: Scouts, Cubs and Beavers march through Newport on St George's Day.www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

Hymns included ‘One more step along the world I go’, ‘He’s got the whole world in His Hands’ and ‘Oil in my lamp’.

Speaking before the march, the district’s deputy district commissioner, Andrea Fairless, said that the membership number had increased by 32 per cent on last year.

According to Mrs Fairless, the new Pillgwenlly section, which was started more than a year ago, has been gathering a steady membership since it started.

South Wales Argus: Scouts, Cubs and Beavers march through Newport on St George's Day.www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

“The rise in numbers is across both adults and young members, it just shows that the district is going from strength to strength,” she added.

District Commissioner Stephen Crowley added that he was “very proud” of the dedication that the Scouts had shown in the parade.

South Wales Argus: Scouts, Cubs and Beavers march through Newport on St George's Day.www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

The sections involved in the parade included 6th Newport, 7th Newport, 24th Newport, 25th Air Scouts Newport, 26th Newport, 28th Newport, 29th C Scout Newport, Pillgwenlly, 22nd Christchurch, 1st Wentwood, 1st Rogerstone, 1st Marshfield, 1st Llanmartin and 1st Caerleon.