HUNDREDS of youngsters from across the York region descended on the city to celebrate St George's Day in the annual Scout and Guide parade.

One group of Scouts had more reason than most to celebrate during the eye-catching event yesterday afternoon.

St Chad's Greys Scout Group were using new instruments for the first time after many of theirs were destroyed in an arson attack 18 months ago.

The group, which is based in South Bank, York, used second-hand and borrowed instruments at last year's parade, but this year, thanks to a £4,000 grant from the North Yorkshire Community Foundation - and generous donations from parents - they had managed to replace all the lost items.

Scout leader and bandmaster Pete Edwards said it was a proud day.

He said: "This is the first time we have used the new drums and other instruments. We are very proud, the group worked really hard for this."

The youngsters - belonging to the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides - marched from The Eye of York, through the city centre to York Minster, where a special service was held, before marching back.

One of the parade organisers, Manor Division Commissioner Sally Jackson, said it was a chance for young people to do something for the city.

She said: "It's an opportunity to be seen in uniform, representing our organisations and it's nice for the city to see the youngsters.

"There's a lot of peer pressure for them and being in the Guides or Scouts is not seen as a cool thing to do, so It's nice when they have a sense of pride."

Updated: 11:14 Monday, April 28, 2003