County pays tribute to St George

Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Beavers from the Oxford Spires Scout District, including units from Oxford, Kennington, Kidlington and Yarnton, gathered in Broad Street before making their way to the town hall, in St Aldate's.

Following a service for the 650 Scouts, they headed to Oxford Castle, in New Road, to raise the St George's flag on St George's Tower. As well as celebrating St George's Day, a day early, the Scouts were also celebrating their movement's centenary.

Hugo Brunner, the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, and Jim Campbell, Oxford's Lord Mayor, took the salute. Oxford East MP Andrew Smith was also at the parade.

Bill Butcher, a spokesman for the Scout district, said: "It was a double celebration and we would like to thank Oxford Castle Unlocked for making us so welcome.

"It's the second year running that we have been able to raise the St George's flag on the tower."

In Abingdon, more than 300 members of the Abingdon and District Scouting movement paraded through the streets.

They formed up in the Abbey grounds yesterday afternoon and marched into town, along East St Helen's Street, to St Helen's Church for a service. From there the parade made its way along West St Helen Street into High Street.

When the parade reached the Market Place they were greeted by the mayor, Peter Green, and the chairman of the Vale of White Horse District Council, Julie Mayhew-Archer, who took the salute on the steps outside County Hall.

MG Car Club enthusiasts also paid tribute to England's patron saint when more than 70 cars gathered in the grounds of the Miele domestic appliance headquarters, in Fairacres, a short distance away from the historic home of the sports car firm.

There were 50 MGs on show, including a 1930 M-type and more recent models made by MG Rover until the company's demise two years ago.

Car club member John Watson said: "It was good to see such a large turnout of cars, not that far from the old factory where many of them were made."