Under a threatening sky, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers of Monmouthshire District defied the cold for a St George's Day open-air service at Chepstow castle.

The youngsters, among more than 500 young people in the movement in the county, were represented in a march through the town to the castle, where they also renewed their Promises.

They were from Abergavenny, Raglan, Usk, Chepstow, Caldicot, Wyesham, Shirenewton, Sedbury and Tidenham, Bulwark and Magor.

They were joined by parents and supporters including David Davies MP, Chris Woodhouse, chairman of the County Council, Simon Boyle, Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, Judith Childs, High Sheriff of Gwent.

The hierarchy of Monmouthshire Scout District included Chris Munslow, District Commissioner for the past three years, David Marsh, the chairman, Chris Lee, area commissioner for Gwent for just three weeks, Don Norris, secretary for five years, and Alan Llewellyn, chairman of the District Scout Fellowship.

Mr Marsh, chairman of the Welsh Scout Council for nine years, and his wife Eunice, secretary of the Scout Fellowship, are maintaining a family tradition among the 550 young people in scouting in Monmouthshire.

The scouting units include Beavers, from six to eight years, Cubs from 8-10, Scouts 10-14, Explorers 14-18 and Scout Network from 18-15.