Breathing fire into celebration

St George and his men are busy preparing a procession in Ollerton in honour of the patron saint of England.

The theme of this year’s parade, to be held a week on Sunday, will be green living.

The festivities will start at noon, with a parade from Ollerton Town Hall to the Hop Pole Hotel.

Mr Brian Smith, of Ollerton will be dressed as St George, complete with a suit of armour including sword, shield, cloak, chain-mail and helmet.

Several residents will dress in costume and follow Mr Smith and a large dragon’s head, which breathes fire and smoke.

The afternoon will continue in the village with medieval-style plays and activities, such as archery and morris dancing.

Experts will be on hand to give advice on protecting the environment through recycling.

Parents are being encouraged to take their children along. Organisers have 100 umbrellas, which they would like children to carry so they form a colourful tail behind the dragon.

A competition is also open to youngsters to design a poster for Recycling Ollerton and Boughton.

The winners in four age categories will be awarded prizes at the St George’s Day celebration and the best poster will be used for next year’s event.

The free annual event has been organised by the St George’s Day Celebration Group.

The group is looking for a local celebrity to open the event and sponsorship to ensure it can continue in the future.

For more information call Mr John Barrows 01623 823600 and for information about the competition contact Mr George Ford on 01623 824922.