SHOPPERS in Worcester were in for a shock when they witnessed St George slay a dragon before their very eyes.

But don't worry, no real blood was shed at the event outside the Guildhall on Saturday when students from the Worcester College of Technology donned costumes to act out a George and Dragon play.

Not only did the attraction mark St George's Day, the patron saint of England, but also helped boost the funds of Acorns Children's Hospice, Worcester.

The state-of-the-art hospice, in Bath Road, St Peter's, Worcester, opened its doors for the first time last month and will provide care and support for more than 250 life-limited youngsters from Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Glouc-estershire every year.

Acorns volunteers were also at the Guildhall, complete with painted faces and St George's Day hats, to sell red roses and raise cash.

And English teas and home-made cakes were on sale inside the Guildhall, which had been decorated in red, white and blue, to celebrate the occasion.

MUMS and dads watched with pride as Worcestershire Scouts, Cubs and Beavers took part in their annual St George's Day parade.

Hundreds of youngsters from groups around the county filled the streets of Worcester city centre yesterday.

Shoppers joined parents basking in glorious sunshine to see the huge parade make its way from Broad Street, down the High Street and into College Street.