DEVASTATED staff at a Ribchester marketing agency could be forgiven for feeling worse than most when England crashed out of Euro 2004.

Not only did they have England's crushing defeat to host nation Portugal to come to terms with - they also had to watch the 15metre St George Cross that donned the side of the firm's building be painted out.

But managing director of Workhouse, Welshman Mark Jones, had only agreed to the patriotic flag if it was removed as soon as Sven Goran Eriksson's side were knocked out of the European Championships.

England were beaten 6-5 on penalties after sides drew 2-2 in Lisbon on Thursday night. England also had a seemingly good goal ruled out.

Mr Jones said: "All the employees are devastated. The flag going is extremely symbolic to them all and sums up how they all feel. As a Welsh supporter I have always supported my country but I must admit to feeling a little bit sad.

"There has been a lot of good feeling and spirit with the football being on and it is a shame that it is gone."

He added: "I am now just really looking forward to the qualifiers of the World Cup in two years time where Wales will get to play the English. Now that should be fun."

Across East Lancashire, the flags which proudly fluttered from cars and homes have been coming down all weekend as England fans finally came to terms with defeat. Dennis Croasdale, 70, from Mellor, a part-time decorator, said: "I immediately felt like taking it down - it was terribly disappointing.

"I am not going to do anything like burn it though. I will just save it for next time and hope they have better tactics two years from now.

"We were robbed but I was really disappointed in Beckham's performance, he has not played at all well all competition."

Mr Wilcock, 74, from Banktop, a retired painter and decorator, also thought the time was right to take his flag down.

He said: "There doesn't seem much point keeping it up now. I still support England but it is pointless if we are out of the competition."

However, some people have decided to keep flying the flag.

Ray Pinder, 56, from Brookhouse, a press hole setter, said: "Why should people take their flags down?

"I will keep mine flying until the competition is over because we were robbed."