ST George’s Day celebrations in Whitworth have been praised by a town councillor.

Around 300 people packed into the Riverside Civic Hall for a service of celebration on Sunday.

Earlier, a procession lead by Whitworth Vale and Healey Brass Band and St George himself made its way along Market Street.

Coun David Chorlton, chair of the town council’s tourism and leisure committee, said the turn-out was fantastic given poor weather on the day.

He said: “The hall was full for the service and we estimate around 300 people were in attendance.

“On behalf of the committee I offer sincere thanks to all who turned up to enjoy the event, and also to those who assisted on the day, including the police, marshals, Pace Egg performers, the Riverside staff, the band, Rev Lyn Woodall, and our local uniformed organisations and schools.”

Among those present were the Mayor and Mayoress of Whitworth, Coun David and Lynda Barnes, and Rossendale MP Jake Berry.