THIRD century knight St George and 12th century outlaw Robin Hood were not, in a strictly historical sense, known to be best mates.

But they became fast friends yesterday after St George rode into Old Market Square, where Robin awaited him.

George and Robin were just a couple of the attractions for people looking to celebrate England's national day.

Across Nottingham, people celebrated with traditional English hospitality and not-quite-traditional English springtime sunshine.

On the square, people stopped to check out the medieval musicians and traditional English food stalls.

Then there was the fellow in the dragon costume.

"We like the music, we like the dragon," said Annette Kennedy, who had come with parents Brian and Angela Davis and 11-month-old daughter Jessica Lily Kennedy.

Connie Shaw brought grandchildren James and Sarah Kimber. The kids, six and four, were all decked out in flags of St George and other kit.

Around town, people found different ways to celebrate England.

In Trowell, they organised a St George's Day litter clean-up. Trowell has experience with patriotic tidiness, having been named Festival Village for the 1951 Festival of Britain.

The local branch of the Royal Society of St George led the annual parade from the Forest Recreation Ground to the Pheasant pub in Radford.

Once he was done on the square, St George did what any hard-working knight does on a Friday afternoon – he headed over to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem for a pint.

Meanwhile in St Ann's, community group The Chaser had put together quite a party on Robin Hood Chase. Festive bunting hung all around, and live music, face painting, local artists, a raffle, a cake stall, a bouncy castle and – this one was proving popular – there was bangers and mash for 50p.

"We started The Chaser group in February and this is our result," said treasurer Ethel Anderson, who was sporting a flag of St George hat.

Resident Debbie Moore was snapping pictures.

"It's something that's been needed for a long time," she said. "Everyone enjoying themselves."

Friends Nina Abraham, five, and Tyrese Thomas, four, were enjoying themselves. After a go on the bouncy castle, they were waiting to get their faces painted.

They were unanimous about what they wanted painted – a dragon.

Back on the square, Ian Emm of Long Eaton looked on approvingly. He honours England in a number of ways. He's off to South Africa in a few weeks for the World Cup. And he does freelance work keeping alive a great Nottingham tradition – he's a lace pattern maker.

He enjoyed the celebration and only had one request, more, please.

"It does my head in, we don't celebrate it enough," he said. "Everybody will be here celebrating if England win their first match in the World Cup. Why not celebrate St George's Day?"