MORE than 250 Monmouthshire scouts, beavers and cubs took part in a parade and service today to remember St George the Patron Saint of Scouting.

Members of the Monmouthshire Scout District came from across the county, including Raglan, Chepstow, Abergavenny, Magor and Gilwern to gather in Abergavenny for the annual service, which is remembered by scouts around the world.

Spectators lined the High Street, Nevill Street and Castle Street to watch as the parade made its way from Red Square to the grounds of Abergavenny Castle for the service.

The 1st Rogerstone Scout Band led the parade and are believed to be the only Scout Band in Wales.

Among the local dignitaries were Monmouth MP David Davies, Abergavenny Mayor Councillor Sheila Woodhouse and the chairman of Monmouthshire Council, Cllr David Dovey.

Once inside the grounds of the castle, parents, former scouts and supporters of the organisation, joined members and invited guests for the service, led by the Vicar of Abergavenny, the Reverend Mark Soady.

During the singing of the hymn ‘Give me joy in your heart’ each branch placed their flag in a line in front of Revd Soady.

Addressing those present, Revd Soady paid tribute to Robert Baden-Powell the founder of the Scout movement who chose Saint George to be the Patron Saint of the Scout Association, before the members re-took their promise.

Hymns sung during the service include One More step Along the World, Shine Jesus Shine and both Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau‎ and God Save the Queen.

Alan Llewelyn, chairman of the Scout Fellowship, said: “The annual event pays tribute to St George the Patron Saint of Scouting and to its founder Robert Baden-Powell.

He said: “Part of the act of being a scout is that you attend a remembrance service.”

“We have members of a variety of ages, with the youngest being six,” added Mr Llewellyn who has been involved with Monmouthshire Scout District since 1991.

Speaking before the service, Revd Soady said: “It is always a wonderful occasion to see young people looking so smart and being different to how people expect them to behave.”

“It is a symbol of their service to the community and we give celebration and thanksgiving for that.”

David Davies added: “As an ex-scout myself it is wonderful to see the movement doing so well. It is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get away from using their laptops and enjoy real-life experiences.”