TRADITIONAL parades and events were held across Bolton to celebrate the patron saint of England.

Thursday may have been the official St George’s Day but celebrations continued over the weekend.

In Horwich, the Horwich Prize Medal Morris Men led a parade, joined by Bacup’s Britannia Coconut Dancers, the Rumworth Morris Dancers and the Saddleworth Morris Men.

The route of the parade, now in its 21st year, was changed because the police no longer operating “rolling road blocks”.

Bob Bradley, the secretary of Horwich Prize Medal Morris Men, said: “We tried to stay away from Chorley New Road and some people preferred this route as it took us closer to the community.”

Among the many spectators was Cllr Barbara Ronson. She said: “It was a fantastic day. So many people turned up to watch. It was a traditional, family fun day and we all enjoyed it.”

Festivities continued at the Black Bull Pub, in Edgworth, when the Morris Dancers performed.

At Bolton Parish Church, 250 Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Explorers gathered on Sunday to parade in honour of St George, who is also the patron saint of the Scouting movement.

Hundreds of parents gathered to watch as the youngsters paraded around the grounds of the church flying the flags of their groups.

They then filed into the church to take part in a St George’s day service, conducted by the vicar, the Rev Matt Thompson.

Mr Thompson said: “St George was a brilliant example of love, service and compassion, and the cubs and scouts try to live up to that, so I’m very happy to be celebrating it here today.”

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Anthony Connell, attended, and he said he was pleased that more people were now celebrating St George’s Day.

He said: “This is a great day for young people. The scouting movement is a terrific organisation.”