HUNDREDS of youngsters have been taking to the streets of Hampshire today for the annual St George’s Day Parade.

Scouts, cubs and beavers from across the county gathered for five separate parades marking what is one of the biggest days in the scouting year.

In Southampton more than 700 youngsters marched along a new route from the Cenotaph in Watts Park to the Guildhall Square.

The HMS Sultan band led uniformed sections from 30 scouting groups along Above Bar Street to the square for an outdoor service conducted by District Chaplain Chris Davis.

Daily Echo:

Crowds lined the new route, chosen because it is more prominent than the previous journey along St Mary’s Street.

District Commissioner Asa Moore said: “It’s exciting because the streets are lined with people supporting this big event.”

Earlier crowds lined the streets in Eastleigh where a parade made its way from Norwood School to Leigh Road recreation ground.

Daily Echo:

In Winchester uniformed sections marched from Colebrook Street to the city’s Cathedral for a service.

Scouts and guides also gathered at Romsey Abbey for a celebrations.

Tonight Fareham’s scouting groups gathered at Market Quay for a parade through the town centre.

For more pictures from the day see tomorrow’s Daily Echo.