CROWDS lined the pavements of Worcester six deep in places on Saturday as the Grenadier Guards marched through the city.

With drums beating and brass blaring, the 40 strong regimental band followed by 100 guardsmen shouldering guns with bayonets fixed made their colourful way down High Street following a service in Worcester Cathedral.

As the parade passed the Guildhall, the order was given "Eyes left" and the salute was taken by Michael Brinton, Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire and accompanied by the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Ian Imray.

Following the scarlet uniformed soldiers were more than 100 former officers and guardsmen, veterans of campaigns long ago and far away, the medals on their chests glinting proudly in the summer sun.

Spontaneous applause broke out from the massed crowds when the old warriors passed by, some bent now, but heads held high, as they marched determinedly in step with the thunderous beat of the band.

It was a spectacular highlight to a weekend of celebrations in Worcester to mark the 350th anniversary of the formation of the Grenadier Guards.

The previous evening, the Worcester and Hereford Branch of the regimental association, held a glittering banquet at the Chateau Impney Hotel, Droitwich, where the chief guest of honour was Major General Andrew Farquar, general officer commanding 5th Division of the British Army.

He praised the Grenadiers for their "350 years of glorious history" and their "tremendous sense of duty and service".

"The British Army today is busier than it has been for a very long time," the general said. "Around 25 per cent of it is deployed on operational duty, particularly in Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia, while there are also 26 training teams spread throughout the world."

From Col. Euan Houstoun, president of the Grenadier Guards Association, came a plea to "wake up dormant Grenadiers".

"Although the association has around 5,000 members, there are at least that many who have served in the regiment, but with whom we appear to have lost touch," said Col Houstoun. "I appeal to everyone to seek out the younger generation. They are the future of the association."

Captain Hamish Gray-Cheape, branch president, read out telegrams from both The Queen and Prince Philip, who is Colonel of the Regiment, congratulating the Grenadiers on reaching their milestone and the Hereford and Worcester branch for playing its part in the celebrations.