PATRIOTIC fervour got the better of ex-guardsman Billy Kelly after jubilee drinks with friends and neighbours.

The 46-year-old, who has stood guard at Buckingham Palace, painted a giant cross of St George in the road outside his home in Windsor Road, Knuzden, Blackburn

But his exploits attracted the attention of the police, who charged him with criminal damage and bailed him to appear in court.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Mr Kelly, who spent six years in the Coldstream Guards, was a man of exemplary character left mystified at having to appear in court.

"If being patriotic is a crime then he is guilty," said defence solicitor Basharat Ditta, who urged the magistrates to give his client the opportunity to maintain his unblemished reputation.

"There is a suggestion that if the case is adjourned for three weeks he will remove the paint and the prosecution will withdraw the charge against him.

"That would appear to be a course of action that would allow everyone to emerge with some credit."

Neil White, prosecuting, conceded that if the 15ft by 9ft flag was removed, or the council compensated if they removed it, there would be no public interest in proceeding with the prosecution.

Speaking after the hearing Mr Kelly said he had offered to remove the flag when he was first approached by a police officer.

"It was a bit of harmless fun hatched out over a few drinks on the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, the day before England played their first World Cup game against Sweden." said Mr Kelly, who took part in three Trooping of the Colour pageants.

"I'm patriotic and proud of it and at 1.30 in the morning it seemed a good idea.

"None of the neighbours has complained but I am happy to clean it off and put an end to the matter."

The case was adjourned until June 22 to allow the flag to be cleared up

PATRIOTIC: Billy Kelly with St George flag and his painting on the road at Knuzden