Region celebrates St George's Day

Streets across Staffordshire and the Black Country were emblazoned with red and white as tens of thousands of people took part in St George's Day parades.

Houses hung St George flags from windows, people donned fancy dress and patriotic songs were blasted into the streets as marches took place across the region.

Clad in a full suit of armour a St George lookalike was at Stafford's Ancient High House on Saturday and Stafford Castle on Sunday.

See more pictures by clicking on the image on the right

Residents were invited to don matching attire or opt for other period costume, with outfits available for trying on, while youngsters took part in a dragon making craft workshop. Other events included an annual celebration at the George and Dragon public house in Lichfield.

Yesterday's parade in West Bromwich – now in its 14th year - kicked off in Westminster Road just before 11am against a backdrop of the national anthem and the sound of vuvuzelas. Organiser Mark Cowles said: "It's a family event for people from all walks of life."

Dozens of people donned fancy dress including 52-year-old father-of-two John Mortimer who went along dressed as a medieval knight.

Mr Mortimer, of Harvest Road in Smethwick, said: "I don't care a lot for our government but I do care for my country. Anyone who thinks the event is provocative doesn't know what they're talking about."

Representatives from the Hednesford Royal British Legion and lobbying group The Campaign for an English Parliament, who want St George's Day to be a national bank holiday, were also there.

In Stourbridge, more than 1,000 people lined the streets to watch a St George's Day Parade.