Julian flies flag for UK

Passionate royalist Julian Taylor really believes in showing his colours at his ancient country inn.

In fact, he has cut a giant Union Flag into the hillside behind the Church Inn, nestling in the shadow of Saddleworth Parish Church, Uppermill.

And his gesture has been applauded by the farming community, pub locals and even pilots who have spotted the huge flag from the air on flights into Manchester Airport.

The flag, which he trims regularly every two weeks, sits below the Taylor’s’ family-owned Valley View cemetery.

Julian (41) said: “The Union Jack is not just about Saddleworth, Lancashire or Yorkshire. It is about Britain.

“I am proud to be a royalist and I don’t mind showing my colours for everyone to see.

“We live in a fabulous country and we should celebrate our national heritage. Saddleworth is particularly beautiful in any season of the year. And, like our country and its flag, it’s unique. It is in a great location.”

The father of four went on: “The flag covers more than an acre of land — it dominates the hillside — and can easily been seen by motorists a couple of miles away.

I have received some really enthusiastic comments from locals and particularly the farming community.

“I have a friend who is an international pilot and he says that he and air crews look out for the flag on their flights in and out of Manchester airport.

“It’s undoubtedly become something of a local landmark and a big talking point. I am planning to plant it out in red white and blue blooms next year.”

Farmer James Crowther, whose family have one of the largest sheep farms in the North at Greenfield, said: “The flag is a great idea — it’s promoting England.”