HUNDREDS of people have answered a rallying call to show pride in our nation.

Community groups across Southampton are supporting the city’s St George’s Day celebrations on Wednesday by organising a raft of events.

Among them is local charity Southampton Sight, which is holding an afternoon tea in Bassett Avenue at 2pm.

A spokesman said: “St George’s Day is a great opportunity for us to put on entertainment, afternoon tea and have a lot of fun with some of the visually impaired members of our community who don’t often get to socialise from one week to another.”

Polygon and Oasis Academy Mayfield will be holding themed games and tournaments, while afternoon teas are being held at Weston Court and Bassett Avenue for elderly residents.

Weston Church Youth Project is holding creative writing workshops with pupils at Chamberlayne College of the Arts, while bulb-planting takes place at 4pm at the Holyrood Estate.

Many events have been funded by the city council’s St George’s Day Community Chest.

Southampton Itchen MP John Denham said: “I’m delighted by the way communities across the city have backed the St George’s Day festival, celebrating all that is good about this great English city.”

A first ever St George’s Day Festival is being finalised and will see 16 short films from Southampton Solent staff and students about community groups screened at The City College’s Hub.

It is being organised by Mr Denham, city council communities chief Satvir Kaur, Southampton Festivals and Southampton Voluntary Services.