THE sound of drums and marching bands reverberated through the streets of York as crowds lined up to celebrate an annual parade.

As many as 2,000 Scouts and Guides from York and the surrounding areas put on an eye-catching show for the St George and Founder's Day Service.

Shoppers, families and friends watched and took photographs as young people from the organisations, and their leaders, marched from the Eye of York, through Parliament Street, to the Minster.

There, a special service was held by Canon Jeremy Fletcher, the Minster's Precentor, before the sections renewed their service promises.

Five bands led the parade, with Scout chief Colin Plaxton marshalling affairs.

After the service a salute was taken in Duncombe Place by the three district commissioners: David Durham, of Ebor district, Gerald Snowden, of Minster district, and Joyce Green, of the Guides.

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

A massive crowd watched the parade, split up into separate troops of scouts and guides all marching under troop banners, walk up Parliament Street before they reached the Minster and fanned into the historic monument.

Event organiser Don Saxton said: "This is a celebration of our founders and of St George and it is an occasion when we can all assemble together for an act of worship and reaffirm our Scout and Guide promises.

"It is very popular. The streets are lined from the Minster back to the Eye of York and the band does attract the crowds.

"We have held this event annually since just after the war and every year all participants look forward to it."

He said it was an opportunity for the city's youngsters to "be proud" while wearing their uniforms in front of tourists and residents.

Meanwhile, the city's great and good turned out to raise funds for charity at a St George's Day ball at York Racecourse.

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Janet Looker organised the bash, held on Saturday night, to benefit her two chosen charities, York and North Yorkshire Community Foundation and York OneWorld Linking Association.

A casino, raffle, tombola and music performed by Shepherd's Brass Band and The Goosehorns all added to the entertainment.

Updated: 10:39 Monday, April 25, 2005