MORE than 450 young people crowded into Alton's Market Square on Sunday for the annual Rotherfield Scout District St George's Day parade. Aged from six to 18, they came from all over the district – which stretches from Alresford to Bentley and from Alton to Bordon and Headley, embracing the many villages in between. With standards and banners held high, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and their leaders lined up behind the Union Jack, the flag of St George and the Rotherfield District standard for the parade. Accompanied by the Alton Boys Brigade band, they marched through town to the Alton Maltings Centre for a service by the Harvest Church. Following a welcome by pastor Olaf Fogwill the service was led by Phinn Hall, with lively singing and a talk on 'Be Prepared' which included the guest appearance of some lambs! The blessing was by Riann de Villiers from the Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Marks. Invited guests included Rotherfield Scout District President Sir James and Lady Scott, East Hants District Council leader Pam Bradford, Alton mayor Robyn Fitzer and mayor of Bordon and Whitehill David Williamson. Also present were Rotherfield district vice- president Derek Drew and, representing Hampshire Scouting, assistant county commissioner Trevor Owen. After the service the youngsters paraded back through the town to disband in the square.