LANDLORDS and pub owners have vowed to keep the flag flying for England during the European Championships.

And local pubs said a pub chain's attempt to stop its bars flying the national flag during this summer's soccer festival had been ridiculous.

Arena, which owns 142 sports-theme bars across the country, said it was banning the St George Cross because it might offend women and attract football hooligans.

It later made a U-turn, saying the advice was sent out by an over-zealous company official.

Although Arena has no pubs in East Lancashire, publicans fear East Lancashire pub chains may get similar ideas. It is thought some chains are worried about being seen to support English Nationalism in the run-up to the local council elections which coincide with the tournament on June 10.

Derek Haworth, of the Fox and Hounds, at Ewood, Blackburn, said: "There are hundreds of women who love watching football and I think maybe they have done it just to get a bit of publicity.

"We have got to fly our flag. Our country is playing in a major competition and I do not see why we should not be allowed to support them."

John Southworth, landlord of the Station Hotel, in Preston Old Road, Blackburn, said:

"They won't stop us flying the flag; they will be all over the pub and we are having flashing St George flags as well. We are proud to support England."

Eddie Gershon, a spokesman for Wetherspoon's, which has pubs throughout East Lancashire, said: "There is not a policy as such, we leave it to the discretion of the manager."

A Thwaites spokesman said: "We would be in support of any licensee who wants to show support to the England football team during the European Championships."