Brigade parades to mark birthday

Hundreds of children took to the streets of Kidderminster for an annual celebration of the foundation of the Boys' Brigade.

Around 300 youngsters toured a two-mile route of the town centre for the Worcestershire Battalion of the Boys' Brigade Founders Day Parade. Parents and shoppers lined the streets to watch as the procession made its way to the town hall for a thanksgiving service.

The event, which marks the foundation of the brigade in 1883, was held in Worcester last year and so came to Kidderminster this time as it alternates between the two venues.

Adjutant Dave Butler, aged 62, who organises the parade each year, said it had been a success.

"There was quite a crowd watching as we went round including a lot of parents who came along to support," the security manager said.

"Fortunately again this year the weather was very kind to us."

Boys as young as five marched alongside men of 25 and Girls' Brigade members were also involved.