HOTEL staff have removed a faulty Union Jack flag after it led to complaints they were being unpatriotic.

The Swallow Hotel at Samlesbury was flying the flag on a pole outside.

Patriotic passer-by Graham Mingay, 30, thought the flag was flying upside down and complained to the hotel that it was being unpatriotic.

But the hotel, which is opposite arms manufacturer BAE Systems, said that because of a design fault it did not matter which way the flag was turned, it still looked wrong.

Mr Mingay saw the flag as he passed to and from work each day and felt it was just not right.

After researching on the Internet he discovered flying the flag upside down is used as a sign of distress for battleships and is also believed to be "lese majeste" - insulting to the Crown.

Mr Mingay, a site agent for a Blackburn construction firm, said: "I am patriotic and love my Queen and country and just want to see it put right."

The Union Flag is made up of the blue background and white cross of St Andrew for Scotland, the white background and red cross of St George for England and the white background and red cross of St Patrick for Ireland.

To hang a Union Flag up correctly the thick white stripe should be at the top of the flag nearest the flagpole and otherwise at the top on the left.

Mr Mingay, of St Francis' Road, Feniscliffe, said: "After doing some research I knew it was wrong and called in to see the duty manager at the hotel.

" I said: 'Can you please correct this', but he's not done anything about it.

"I think it's disgusting in patriotic times.

"You have Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonald's flying their Union Jacks the correct way up and they are American companies. It's just annoyed the pants off me."

And Mr Mingay said it might not send the right signal to those who stay at the hotel.

He said: "With it being close to BAE Systems you could get military people staying there."

Manageress of Swallow Hotel Jane Fox said the flag had been taken down and they would consult with the manufacturer over the problem.

She added: "We ordered the flag a year ago from a flag manufacturer and presumed it was fine. We do not want to cause any concern and have been unaware of any problems until now."