SCOUTS across Dorset gathered to mark St George's Day and renew their pledges on Sunday.

In Bournemouth the troops assembled at Durley Chine before setting off along the cliff top towards the Lower Gardens at 10.30am.

On the way down they paraded past and saluted the Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth Eddie and Janet Coope outside the Bournemouth International Centre, as well as Scouts county commissioner for Dorset Brendan Booth and the district commissioner for Bournemouth, Darren Gilbert.

Once in the Gardens and established in rows outside the bandstand, the 2,500 o r so Scouts, Cubs and other troops made a short promise renewal, while prizes were handed out to both youngsters and the adult volunteers.

Three volunteers were also recognised for their contributions to Scouting. Paul Sutton and Nicky Green were awarded the Silver Wolf and Jan Kingsland was awarded the Bar to the Medal of Merit.

There was music from Bournemouth Youth Marching Band, Bournemouth Carnival Band and Bournemouth CCF Band.

In Poole, the home of Scouting, the parade filed past the statue of the youth movement's founder Lord Baden-Powell and came to a halt by Poole Sea Fishing.

There district commissioner Ragen Bartaby and Mayor of Poole Xena Dion reminded them of their pledges and told them the story of St George.

Cllr Dion said afterwards: "I used to be a Guide Leader so I hold the Scouting movement particularly dear.

"To see such a good turn out shows how important it is and makes me feel proud.

"It is really encouraging to see the amount of effort people put into running these groups."

Mr Bartaby said: "St George is the patron saint of England, it is great to have the young people involved in celebrating him like this"

He said the assembled throng had been given a chance to reflect on the movement's values, within sight of Brownsea Island where Baden-Powell founded Scouting 110 years ago.

"It is nice to celebrate now as we currently have more adults locally in Poole than we have ever had before," he said.

St George's Day Parades also took place in Christchurch and Wareham.