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South East events celebrate St George's Day

Craig Buchan
BBC News, South East
Jo Burn/BBC A metal dragon breathes fire out of its nose with steam also visible. The head and shoulders of the dragon can be seen in front of a red brick building.Jo Burn/BBC
A fire-breathing dragon formed part of celebrations in Kent

Parades of schoolchildren, brass bands and a fire-breathing dragon are among the many events that have been taking place across the South East to celebrate St George's Day.

Pupils from 23 schools planned to parade in Gravesend and Dartford with themed shields and signs made during lessons in recent weeks.

Gurvinder Sandher, artistic director of Gravesend arts organisation Cohesion Plus, said he hoped the local community would "come out and wave the flag of St George with pride".

Elsewhere, the Royal Sussex Regimental Association planned to host its St George's Day service at Chichester Cathedral.

Jo Burn/BBC A person wearing a woolly hat has a large puppet of St George on their shoulders. The model is wearing armour, a helmet and its hands are controlled by the person carrying it. In the background there are town centre buildings and people standing nearby.Jo Burn/BBC
A parade took place to celebrate St George, the patron saint of England

Several pubs across Kent also organised celebrations and Swanley Town Council has organised activities in its town centre for Saturday.

St George is the patron saint of England, and is known in legend for slaying a dragon and rescuing an innocent maiden from death.

Getty Images A 16th Century painting depicting St George in grey armour and astride a horse, swinging a sword towards a dark-coloured dragon.Getty Images
England's patron saint, St George, is known in legend for slaying a dragon

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