Romford District Scouts were back with their grand parade on St George’s Day this year for the first time since Covid.

Around 600 scouts, with their leaders, marched through Collier Row through to Lowshoe Lane on April 23 in their uniforms to mark the celebrations.

Romford Recorder: Romford District Scouts parade on St George's Day with a marching band in the leadRomford District Scouts parade on St George's Day with a marching band in the lead (Image: Sandra Rowse)

The scouts assembled at 2pm at North Romford Community Centre and then moved towards Hood Walk where they took a salute from Nick Bracken OBE, Havering deputy lieutenant, and the Mayor of Havering Cllr Trevor McKeever.

Romford Recorder: Young scouts were saluted by the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Trevor McKeeverYoung scouts were saluted by the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Trevor McKeever (Image: Sandra Rowse)

The scouts arrvied at Corpus Christi Catholic Church next where the main service took place.

Romford Recorder: Scouts held flags as they arrvied in the church

Reverend Nathan Joss-Pothen, vicar of St George's Church in Harold Hill, presided over the ceremony with the mayor in attendance.

Romford Recorder: Cllr Trevor McKeever, the Mayor of Havering, was present for the main service at the Corpus Christi Catholic ChurchCllr Trevor McKeever, the Mayor of Havering, was present for the main service at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church (Image: Sandra Rowse)

This was followed by awards recognising adult scout volunteers for their service. A play about St George performed by the Wesley Players Drama Group concluded the event.

Romford Recorder: Adult scout volunteers were awarded with a special award this year to thank them for their servicesAdult scout volunteers were awarded with a special award this year to thank them for their services (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Andrew Green, event lead for the day, told the Recorder about the significance of the day. He said: “St George is also the patron saint of scouting, so it’s a very special day in the scouting calendar.

Romford Recorder: Reverend Nathan Joss-Pothen, vicar of St George's Church in Harold Hill, conducted a service for Squirrel scouts, aged between 4 and 5, and Beaver Scouts, aged six to seven, in the Parish Hall.Reverend Nathan Joss-Pothen, vicar of St George's Church in Harold Hill, conducted a service for Squirrel scouts, aged between 4 and 5, and Beaver Scouts, aged six to seven, in the Parish Hall. (Image: Sandra Rowse)

"Scouting really does enrich our lives and the communities we live in. Thank you to the police and the team at Havering for supporting us and of course to all the leaders and helpers."