Valerie and Rebecca Thorpe received their warrants at the annual celebration of the movement for their work with the 1st South Bersted Air Scouts.

The award was presented by district commissioner Vicky Hennessy at the service which followed Sunday's (April 26) procession through the town.

Mrs Hennessy also presented a warrant to Paul Embleton, of 1st Felpham Cubs.

In a busy afternoon, she handed out three Wood badges to individuals who had finished their training as leaders. They went to Lawrence Smith, of 1st South Bersted Air Scouts; Susan Young, of 1st Aldwick and Pagham Beavers; and Janet Ramsdale, of 1st Felpham Beavers.

The presentation took place in Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church which was packed with Scouts and Guides and their parents.

The Clarence Road church was the destination for the parade from its starting point at Edward Bryant School in London Road.

Mrs Hennessy said the occasion showed Scouting was healthy in Bognor. "I would say it was our best St George's Day parade ever," she stated.

"The weather was lovely, we had a band to lead us and there were between 300-400 members of the Scout and Guide movements and their leaders taking part.

"We also had a good police presence for the parade and the two cafes in the London Road precinct, Macaris and Costa Coffee, moved their tables and chairs back to give us more room to pass by.

"The band, from the Sea Cadets in Littlehampton, were so good we have already booked them again for next year."

A collection at the service raised £203.10 which will be presented to Howard Ward for children in St Richard's Hospital at Chichester.