Keighley's Scout movement turned out in force on Sunday for its annual St George's Day parade and service.

Youngsters and leaders from across the district took part in the event, which this year also celebrated Scouting's centenary.

The parade - led by the City of Bradford Pipe Band - set off from Gresley Road and made its way through the town to St Anne's Church, in North Street, for the service.

During the service, 92-year-old former Cross Roads Scout George Markham joined with two six-year-old Beavers - the youngest members of the movement - to light a remembrance candle. Mr Markham - who now lives in Sutton - joined the Cross Roads group as a Wolf Cub when he lived at Haworth and then progressed into the Scout troop.

"They were very happy days," he said. "The invitation to light the candle was totally unexpected but I was delighted to do it." He was among a number of "old Scouts" who were traced following an appeal through the Keighley News. Several of those who responded were at the service and they are being invited to a special reception at a centenary camp being held in Keighley next month.

The service was led by Syd Smith and civic guests included the Deputy Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bradford Councillor John and Jean Godward, Keighley's town Mayor Councillor Graham Mitchell and mayoress Constance Mitchell and deputy town mayor and mayoress Councillor Brian and Maureen Hudson.

A collection was taken for the Candlelighters. After the service members paraded back through the town.

l Nine Queen's Scout Award recipients from the district were absent from the event - they were at a special St George's Day parade and service at Windsor, attended by the queen.

The nine - David Driver, Roy Bullock, James Credland, Joe Gallucci, Matthew Dean, Alex Kinnaird, Craig Tillotson, Sarah Wild and Sarah Ward - had to tackle a wide range of activities and challenges to gain the award, the organisation's top honour.