SCOUTS and Guides from across West Devon met for the St George's Day Parade on the warmest, sunniest day so far this year — a complete contrast to the previous year's weather.

The beautiful weather allowed one of the largest parades for many years to return to its old route through Tavistock to Bedford Square, where the salute was taken by Tom Johnson and Kay Harrison, West Devon District Commissioners for Scouts and Guides respectively.

They were accompanied by Rt Hon John Burnett, MP, West Devon mayor Robin Pike and Mrs Pike, Tavistock mayor Norma Woodcock and Mr Woodcock, and John Jury and Cdr Nick Mills-Hicks, West Devon District Scouts president and chairman.

Tavistock parish church was filled to capacity for the annual service, when scouts and guides were joined by parents and friends.

The service was conducted by the Preb Rawlings and Brother George and reflected the country's celebrations of the Queen's Jubilee.

Prayers read by young people were taken from countries across the Commonwealth.

Scout District Commissioner Tony Johnson presented National Scout Awards on behalf of the nation's Chief Scout, and the retiring chairman of 1st Tavistock Scout Group received the Chief Scouts Commendation for Good Service.

Robert Wiggins, Assistant District Commissioner, and Sandra Johnson, ADC and 1st Tavistock Kestrels Cub Scouts, received the prestigious Medal of Merit, which is only awarded for more than fifteen years outstanding service.