PATRIOTIC people held parades and celebratory events all over Huddersfield in honour St George's Day.

People of all ages marked the day of England's patron saint on Sunday.

One of the main events in Huddersfield was the annual St George's Day parade, performed by members of the Huddersfield South West Scout District.

St George is the patron saint of Scouting and features in the Scout promise, which all members take when joining the organisation.

The Scouts, Cubs and leaders paraded with a brass band from New Street, through Huddersfield town centre to Huddersfield Parish Church on Byram Street.

A special service of celebration was held by vicar of Huddersfield, the Rev Catherine Ogle, and curate the Rev Matthew Pollard.

A huge St George's cross had been constructed in the church for the service, which is held every year.

It featured readings from the Bible, reading of the Scout Law and Promise and singing of the national anthem, God Save The Queen.

The vicar said: "It was an opportunity for the Scouts to renew their promises and learn about their patron saint.

"St George is a fine example for young people to follow.

"He stood up to the dragon, the personification of evil. "

Scouts in Honley also celebrated St George's Day, by presenting awards to long-serving leaders at a ceremony at Honley High School on Sunday.

A St George's Day festival was held in Brockholes on Sunday at St George's Church.

Children and adults took part in a colourful parade, complete with a dragon - a nod to the famous legend which tells of St George saving a village by slaying a dragon.

The Huddersfield branch of the Royal Society of St George celebrated the big day with a lunch for 60 people at Woodsome Hall Golf Club.

The branch - founded in Victorian times - celebrates St George's Day on April 23 each year, usually with a black-tie dinner.

However, because the day fell on a Sunday this year members decided a lunch was more appropriate.

The meal was followed by traditional English songs.

Chairman David Dyson said more and more people seem to be realising the significance of St George's Day.

He said: "If you talk to people about the fact that other saints' days are commemorated, people say we should do something for St George's Day.

"But actually getting people motivated is a more difficult thing."

The Halifax branch of the Royal Society of St George also held a celebration on Sunday.

They had a special parade and service at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Halifax, followed by a lunch at Bertie's Banqueting Rooms in Elland.