A ROSSENDALE town has gone football crazy in the run-up to Euro 2004.

More than a dozen England flags are set to go up today around the small town with traders and businesses from butchers to hairdressers, art shops to pubs determined to show their community spirit.

And traders in the town have vowed to keep the flag flying for England throughout the European Championships whatever the team's fate may be.

Steve Taylor, owner of Steve's Fruit and Veg, Bacup Road, said: "When we did it last time people were passing through the town in their cars smiling because it brightens the place up so much.

"I will be watching the matches and I only hope England win. Traders in Waterfoot really pull together on occasions like this."

Christine Moffatt, owner of Headmasters hair and beauty salon, Bacup Road, said: "We are celebrating Euro 2004 and we wanted to help brighten up the town. It's become a bit of a tradition round here now for us all to celebrate and get our flags flying. It's something most traders chose to do which shows we are backing our team."

The tradition started back in 2000 when the European Championships were celebrated with a handful of businesses flying the flag.

Now most traders in Waterfoot choose to show their colours and support the England team.

Paul Stannard, landlord of the Royal Hotel in Waterfoot, said he will be flying his flag as usual and putting on special promotions throughout the competition.

He said: "We are looking forward to a busy few weeks. We are going to be showing every match on the big screen. We are going to have promotions on bottle and be giving away T-shirts to celebrate the event. We are proud to support England."