THREE long-serving members of the Kidderminster Scout movement had a starring role at the annual St George's Day parade.

Peter Rand received the Medal of Merit while Chief Scout Commendations went to Nicholas Mann and Sue Spargo.

Presentations were made by Jenny Newman, assistant county commissioner, at a ceremony at the town's St Mary's Church.

More than 1,200 Scouts and Guides, Cubs, Beavers and Brownies took part in Sunday's parade through the streets.

At the head of the procession was the Shirley Pipe Band. Four other bands from Halesowen and Northfield Scouts, the Boys Brigade and Wyre Forest Royal British Legion Youth took part.

Services were held at three churches.

Scouts and Venture Scouts made their way to St Mary's, while Beavers and Cubs marched to St George's.

Guides and Brownies gathered at Baxter Church in the Bull Ring.

About 200 took part in the St George's Day celebration at Stourport, which was led by a Scout and Guide band.

Stourport, Tenbury and Witley Scouts district commissioner Les Furminger said folk of all ages marched from Lickhill Park for a service at the Civic Centre, before marching back through the town centre to the park.

He added: "It was a very pleasing figure considering how bad the weather was. There were a lot of proud parents there to see their youngsters on parade."

Scouts and Guides in Bewdley will be staging their St George's Day parade on Sunday.

Youngsters will be assembling on Riverside North at 10.30am before parading along Kidderminster Road to All Saints Church in Wribbenhall for a service at 11am.

After the service they will parade back and are expected to return by about 12.30pm.