ENGLAND flags and hats were in abundance as people came together throughout the borough to celebrate St George’s Day.

Parkinson’s UK Harrow branch, which holds weekly exercise classes aimed at improving the mobility and quality of life for people with the condition, held a special class on Monday with a truly British flavour.

Some 20 people took part at Wealdstone Methodist Church hall in Locket Road, joining in with traditional English songs such as Land of Hope and Glory and the Lambeth Walk.

Movement therapist Adrienne Golembo, who runs the sessions, said: “It was a lovely afternoon. One of the members who comes every week said it was the best class he had been to.”

Later the same day, more than 150 people packed the Moon and Sixpence pub in Hatch End for a sing song and charity auction in aid of Mount Vernon Hospital’s cancer ward in Hillingdon.

A QPR football shirt signed by the full first team was the biggest hit of the night, selling for £165, while vouchers to restaurants, hairdressers and shops in Uxbridge Road and a signed Lawrence Dallaglio book helped organisers raise an impressive £1,700.

Gail McAlinden, a pub customer who helped organise the event, said: “It was a really great night and everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves.

“The hospital is close to my heart personally and it is nice to be able to do something to raise much-needed funds for them.”

Hatch End Apollo Choir were on hand to get the singing going and the money raised takes the Uxbridge Road pub’s fundraising efforts past a total of £10,000 in the last three years alone.

Anyone interested in joining Parkinson’s UK Harrow branch can call manager Ray Turner on 020 8954 6661.