THE sound of drums reverberated through York as hundreds of people lined the streets to watch the annual St George's Day parade.

As many as 2,000 Scouts and Guides from York and the surrounding areas put on an eye-catching show as they marched from the Eye of York, through Parliament Street, to the Minster for the St George and Founder's Day Service.

Shoppers, tourists, families and friends watched and took photographs as the young people from Scout and Guide movements paraded through the streets in their uniforms.

Cubs, Brownies, Beavers, Rainbows, Explorers and Rangers all took part in the march as police officers closed the roads for about 15 minutes.

At the Minster a special service was led by Kim Crawford, of the York schools and York trust, before the sections renewed their service promises.

Hundreds of spectators waited at the Eye of York for the first sight of the marchers, who played procession music as they walked through Tower Street, into Low Ousegate and up Parliament Street at about 1.30pm yesterday.

Another large crowd gathered at the Minster as the marchers fanned into the historic monument.

The celebration was organised by members of the district fellowship and district commissioners David Durham, of Ebor district, Gerald Snowden, of Minster district, and Joyce Green, of the Guides.

Mr Durham said: "It's just fantastic to see all these kids fill the whole Minster.

"It's nice to see them show their commitment by taking part."

Mr Snowden said: "It's a good thing for people to see this because I don't think they have any idea how many Scouts and Guides we do have in this city."

Joyce Green said: "It is a great way to show the people of York that we do things and we are proud to be who we are."

After the service the youngsters, at about 3.30pm, the youngsters paraded through the city again and congregated at the Eye of York once more.

Updated: 08:52 Monday, April 24, 2006