Countdown to a party for a patron begins

Sandwell was today swathed in red and white for two days of events celebrating England's patron saint this weekend.

St George's Day is being celebrated early in the borough, with a council-run family event today and a parade through the borough tomorrow.

TV presenter Keith Chegwin kicked off the celebrations at today's funday including jousting and morris dancing.

Sandwell Council has splashed out £38,000 on the event, also featuring a Medieval living encampment, with St George on horseback, skill at arms demonstrations, a foot soldier tournament, archery workshops and lessons in bread and butter making. Stilt walkers, balloon shaping and magic shows, the Pat Collins Fun Fair and a motorbike display demonstration also added to the fun.

Members of the Stone Cross St George Association are putting finishing touches to plans for tomorrow's big parade.

The parade - the largest in the country, attracting 15,000 people - was faced with the axe after Sandwell Council withdrew financial support following reports of nuisance drinking and claims it had been hijacked by right-wing extremists. But it earned an 11th-hour reprieve, after businessman Chris Kelly stepped in with thousands of pounds of funding and vital insurance paperwork was completed.

The parade will make its way along a 1.7 mile route from Westminster Road through the streets of West Bromwich to Dartmouth Park.

Organisers who have battled for months to get the go ahead for the parade have asked those taking part to leave the drinks, and the politics at home.

Trevor Collins, from organisers Stone Cross St George Association said: "We have had to fight long and hard for the right to march and trouble of any kind could spell the end for the parade.

"We want people to put politics to one side and celebrate our patron saint. It has been a lot of work to ensure the procession can take place this year, but it has all been worth it.

"We are now just hoping that the weather will be kind to us."

Tomorrow's march starts at 10am in Westminster Road and goes along Marsh Lane, Walsall Road, All Saints Way and Dagger Lane into Dartmouth Park where there will be a fun fair.

Guests of honour include Baggies legend "Super Bob" Taylor, blind marathon runner Dave Heeley and Chris Kelly, of West Brom-based truck dealer Keltruck who came up with the funds.

Celebrity chef Rustie Lee is also hoped to take part in the celebration.