A PATRIOTIC crowd lined the route as Rotherfield and District Scouts marched in the sun from Alton’s Market Square to the Harvest Church last Sunday.

The combined 400-strong force of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Scout Leaders from Alton, Bordon, Alresford, Liphook, Four Marks, Ropley and Medstead made an impressive sight in their uniforms as they marched to mark St George’s Day.

District Commissioner Mark Hughes and Hampshire Scout council representative Maddy Withey took the salute.

The parade was led by Lizzie Harvey, Luke Gavin and Christopher Hughes, who were due to travel to Windsor yesterday to be presented with their Queen’s Scout Badges.

The 2nd Alton Boys Brigade Band kept everyone marching in step as the parade made its way to the church for a service conducted by Tim Goodwright, youth worker from the Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Marks, and the Reverend David Hinks, associate vicar of St Lawrence Church, Alton.

During the service those taking part in the parade renewed their scouting promise and a collection was also taken for the Homes Trust charity which provides holidays for Scouting families in special needs.