ENGLAND'S patron saint was celebrated in style across Bolton this weekend.

Fun-filled events took place across the town to mark St George's Day on Saturday, as hundreds of people turned out to commemorate the dragon-slaying legend.

Friends Chris Houghton, Joey Deehan, Will Waddington and Paul Birbeck were out in full armoured costume in the town centre, handing out 6,000 red roses to members of the public on behalf of the Royal Society of St George, which was founded in 1894 to promote English traditions.

Mr Houghton, aged 50, who is the CEO of IT firm Eventura, said: "We have been doing this for 13 years to make sure that everybody remembers St George and celebrates properly. It's about being proud to be English.

"We go around the square and talk to people, have our photos taken, and hand out 6,000 red roses.

"We are members of the Royal Society of St George and have our annual dinner on Saturday night at Bolton School, which over 100 people attend.

"One of our primary aims is to make St George's Day a Bank Holiday, because he deserves to be properly recognised like other patron saints are in their countries."

A family fun day was held at Westhoughton Market on Saturday to celebrate the occasion, and included a performance from Wingates Brass Band as well as a fun fair, face painting and other entertainment.

Bolton Parish Church hosted the annual St George’s Day Parade on Sunday afternoon, supported by local scout groups, and Smithills Band held a St George’s Concert at Victoria Hall on Saturday night in aid of Help for Heroes, Bolton Hospice and Rotary charities.

Elsewhere, Smithills School band played a selection of favourite English classical pieces at Victoria Hall to celebrate St George's Day. Video courtesy of Charlene Bessell.

Email pictures of your St George's Day celebrations to pictures@theboltonnews.co.uk