HUNDREDS of Guides and Scouts renewed their promises at the traditional St George's Day parade along Dorking High Street on Sunday.
Led by the 1st Claygate Scout and Guide Marching Band, and with the Brockham double decker London bus bringing up the rear, the massed ranks of youngsters marched with their flags from the St Martin's Walk car park to Dorking Halls in cold but dry weather. click here to see a picture gallery of the parade
More than 750 youngsters passed a podium just before the Pippbrook council offices where the salute was taken by Group Captain Clare Walton of Headley Court.
She was accompanied by Mole Valley District Council chairman Caroline Salmon, Father Jonathan How of the Surrey County Scouts, Reverend Derek Tighe of St Martin's Church, Dorking, district commissioner for Dorking Scouts Dr Julia Kielstra, Girlguiding Surrey East county commissioner Elaine Edwards and Girlguiding Leith Hill division commissioner Chris Hands-Clarke.
Event organiser Dr Kielstra said she was "thrilled" at the large number of people who lined the streets to watch.
She said: "Watching the band come down the street followed by a forest of flags, uniformed young people, and so many adult leaders – without whom there would be no Scouting or Girlguiding – made me very proud."
Once inside Dorking Halls, Scouts, Guides and their leaders renewed their Scout promises and paid tribute to those who have made a particular difference in Scouting: Dave Knight of the 22nd Brockham, and Irene Melrose and Eileen Ring of the 5th Dorking.
The Dorking District Commissioner's Service Award was presented to Louis Stace, Oliver and Thomas Claxson, Christina Mounsey, and Lauren Ring; the Best Explorer Scout: Scott Street; and the two most recent recipients of the Gold Chief Scout Award, Michael Kielstra and Holly Bailey.
The Girlguiding Nora Simpson Cup was awarded to the outstanding Brownie, Daisy Sharp from 9th Dorking Brownies, while Westcott Rainbows, 2nd Dorking Brownies and Capel Guides were awarded prizes for being the smartest Guide units.
