SEA scouts from Watchet were in London at the weekend for the King’s 75th birthday parade and the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guards Parade.

The 14 sea scouts and explorer scouts with three leaders from the 1st Watchet Sea Scout Group attended as guests representing UK Scouting.

They travelled on Friday evening and stayed overnight near Hampton Court before a 5.30 am train journey into central London, where they paraded at 8 am in the youth enclosure at Horse Guards and The Mall.

They were joined by representatives from the Army, Sea, and Air Cadet Services, as well as police and fire cadets, girl guiding, girls and boys brigade, and several overseas UK scouting groups also invited to attend.

With a prime view of the route and Horse Guards Parade, the Watchet group witnessed the ceremony with its massed bands and the household division comprising Cavalry, Royal Artillery, and the five battalions of foot guards as they marched and rode past.

King Charles and Queen Camilla, with other senior members of the Royal family were all present and were seen at close hand by the scouts and explorer scouts.

The Watchet group then joined the other youth organisations and led the invited public along The Mall, lined by thousands of spectators, to Buckingham Palace, where they witnessed the Royal family on the balcony and saw a Royal Air Force fly past which included a Lancaster bomber and the Red Arrows.

Later, the scouts and explorers were able to explore central London, including a visit to the Imperial War Museum.

Sunday’s return journey was via Runnymede, where they saw the Magna Carta and a memorial to late American president John F. Kennedy.

The group is currently recruiting volunteer leaders and has places for more young people, the details of which can be obtained by calling 07977056921.