SALISBURY market square was buzzing with patriotic activity last Friday, when the whole day was given over to the city's St George's Day celebrations.

Gone was the single all-inclusive St George's parade of previous years, held on a Sunday.

Instead, the traditional tale of how the patron saint slew the dragon was told throughout the day by players ranging from Punch & Judy puppets to people, and even a nine-foot-tall stilt-walking dragon.

The flag-waving fun also included do-it-yourself dragon-building, a free fairground ride and a Victorian pipe organ.

The hustle and bustle was added to by a one-off farmers' market, selling the finest English fare - including apple juice, cheese, fresh organic bread and locally-produced wines.

There was an appearance by a steam engine - a perfect example of homegrown ingenuity - and demonstrations of crafts.

Classes of children from nearby schools were brought into the city to join in and the blazing sunshine encouraged shoppers to linger and enjoy the occasion, making for a very happy atmosphere.

But the format was far from all-new.

Jonathan the Jester was on hand all day to entertain the friends of St George and the whole scene was presided over, as always, by Salisbury's famous mascot, Christopher the Giant.Children of Coombe Bissett School with St George and the slain dragon.