Hundreds of youngsters took to the streets of Worcester to celebrate St George's Day.

Squirrels, beavers, cubs, scouts and sea scouts were all represented as the annual parade flowed through the city this afternoon (Sunday, April 23).

Dressed immaculately, they gathered in Angel Place before setting off at around 1pm.

A marching band lead the way with a member of each group holding a flag aloft as they made their way down High Street.

Friends and family lined the streets as the youngsters headed towards Cathedral Square and over the road to Worcester Cathedral, where a special service took place at 2.15pm.

Look back through our live blog here

Worcester News: The marching band led the procession The marching band led the procession (Image: Newsquest)

Explaining the history behind April 23, a spokesperson for Scouts Hereford and Worcester said: "Baden-Powell chose St George to be the patron saint of Scouts.

"He felt the qualities of the legendary Roman soldier were the same qualities that reflect a good Scout.

"He also wanted St George’s Day to be a time to reflect on the Scout Promise and what it means to be a Scout.

"Thousands of Scouts will be celebrating St George’s day today, many parading in their home towns and cities."

Worcester News: The heavens opened just as the parade beganThe heavens opened just as the parade began (Image: Newsquest)

Sunday's parade didn't come without its hiccups, with motorists seen queuing out of car parks as they tried to find a last-minute space.

Then, just moments after the march began, the heavens opened.

Luckily many of those who had come to watch were well prepared and the sounds of the marching band meant spirits remained high.

Similar events also took place in Kidderminster and Redditch, while the National Scout Service was held in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.