Flag firm flying high

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 11 June, 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. The World Cup is creating local jobs and opening new opportunities for us.”

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.”