Flag firm flying high

FLYING the flag... seamstress Dawn Matthews (left) Cathy Caine show off their handy work

WITH the World Cup only three weeks away, a busy flag manufacturer has revealed it is operating at full capacity to meet demand.

United Flags and Flagstaffs, based at Phoenix House, Middleton, has been inundated with orders as England fans prepare for the big kick-off.

Host nation South Africa start proceedings on June 11, with England’s first game, against the USA, the following evening.

Operations director Mike Grundy said: “The World Cup has created huge interest in our small family business, from private individuals to Tesco, which has decorated its Oldham Extra store with our flags from all participating nations. The World Cup is creating local jobs and opening new opportunities for us.”

St George’s flags manufactured at the company’s headquarters will fly all over Oldham in the next few weeks.

Sales director Ian Temple-Heald added: “I have been really concerned that the image of our national flag had been hijacked by extreme right-wing political parties and that the image of the St George’s flag had started to be seen by some as racist.

“I’m delighted to see that the people of Oldham have rallied to support the England World Cup squad and in doing so have reclaimed the England flag of St George for everyone.”

United Flags are inviting every reader to support the England team with flags and flagpoles and offering a 10 per cent discount to all Oldham Chronicle readers quoting Code OC10 when ordering via the web on www.unitedflags .co.uk or by calling Ian on 0161-653 6381.