A series of events took place across Sussex to mark St George’s Day.

Children with their mums and dads marched from Hove Town Hall to nearby George Street wearing suits of armour, princess outfits and dragon costumes.

The annual march, organised by Brighton and Hove charity Sparkles and Surprises, wound its way down Church Road and into the aptly named George Street.

Leading the parade was a group of 20 youngsters from cerebral palsy charity Scope who all took pride of place at the front of the march alongside city mayor Gary Peltzer Dunn.

School children from across the city joined in behind with many painted red and white faces.

Shoppers stopped, cheered and waved as the procession stopped traffic. Drinkers stepped outside The Albion pub to cheer the children on underneath their own flag proudly hanging from the roof.

George Street was decorated with bunting and flags and shops dressed their windows.

Stalls lined the road and there was a facepainting stand and a mini rollercoaster.

Princesses, dragons and knights all fought it out in their respective fancy dress competitions and there were smiles and cheers all round.

Jacqui Dolton, founder of Sparkles and Surprises, said: “It's been a fantastic St George's Day and it was a massive event.”

It is hoped the event has raised hundreds of pounds for the charity which takes special needs children and youngsters on day trips.

Jacqui added: “Money raised today will go to the charity and we're hoping to raise enough money for a cruise for everybody.”

Meanwhile the West End of Worthing let its hair down for a St George's Day children's street festival.

Dave Edwards, landlord of the Rose and Crown, Montague Street, joined forces with neighbouring businesses to stage the patriotic party.

The road outside the pub was closed as dozens of youngsters dressed in red and white sat down to tea beneath bunting and flags.

They included Ben Saunders, seven, of Findon Valley, Worthing, who was dressed as a Crusader.

Youngsters, some from St Mary's Primary School, enjoyed stroking a shire horse and Shetland pony as jesters and knights in shining armour looked on.

Mr Edwards called for St George's Day to be made a national holiday in honour of England's patron saint.

He said: “This is the start of the campaign, and it's only going to get bigger.

“In future it should be celebrated as a national holiday or the nation will call in sick.”

England flags were fastened to hanging basket holders in Rowlands Road as shopkeepers got into the spirit.

At the Ardington Hotel, Steyne Gardens, Worthing, more than 120 people sat down to the town's third annual St George's Day charity luncheon.

The guest of honour at the event, organised by funeral director Peter Kennard and estate agent Derek Steel, was Talk Sport presenter Mike Parry.

Proceeds from the dinner, which included renditions of patriotic songs, will go to Guild Care.