Hundreds of flag-waving children and local residents packed into the Town Square on Wednesday morning for the start of a full programme of fun, entertainment and music.

Townsfolk got into the spirit of the occasion, traders decked out shop windows and it was all recorded by television cameras and local radio.

"It couldn't have been better," said Town Mayor John Doyle. "We have highlighted the town throughout the region and we've highlighted St George's Day itself, which is just what we wanted to do.

"The children really got into it – and the adults enjoyed it as well. We've had a great time and we even managed to get it all finished before the rain came."

Mr Doyle took a central role in the programme dressed as St George himself and chasing "the dragon" (the Deputy Town Mayor, John Leach) around the Town Square to the delight of the youngsters.

"In this sketch, however, I wasn't allowed to slay the dragon," added Mr Doyle.

"He had been hiding in Hilgay Fen and was an endangered species, so I gave him an ASBO and made him promise to be good in the future.

"I'm not sure what the dragon thought of the RAF Tornado which went over, but that was right on cue at 10am."

Choirs from Downham's Clackclose and Hillcrest schools were in good voice for some patriotic songs, including Jerusalem, and dozens of children had also taken part in arts and crafts competitions on the St George's Day themes.

First place in the nursery/reception colouring competition went to Annabel Metcalf (Hillcrest) with Millie McGuirk (Cleverclogs Nursery) the runner-up; winner in the poster design for Key Stage 1 children was Rhiannon Kelly (Clackclose) and runner-up Emily Murr (Hillcrest); in the mask design for Key Stage 2 the winner was Marina Camus (Hillcrest) and the runner-up Daniel Allen (Hillcrest).

Prizes had been donated by Barclays Bank, C&M Servicing, Lewks and Downham Town Council.