FOOTBALL-MAD Waterfoot has gone Euro 2000 crazy and is backing England all the way.

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

Steve Taylor, owner of Steve's Fruit and Veg, Bacup Road, said: "People passing through the town in their cars are smiling and it has really brightened the place up.

"I will be watching the matches and I only hope England win -- after all we are the only team representing this country.

"Waterfoot is on the up. All we need now is for Rossendale Council to give us a sign for Waterfoot and the new Mayor Coun David Hancock has put it top of his list."

Christine Lever, owner of the Water Picture Gallery, Bacup Road, said: "We are celebrating Euro 2000 and we wanted to brighten up the town."

Julia and Tom McNaughton, of the Mason's Arms, Burnley Road East, have three flags outside and inside and bunting, and they are charging just £1 a pint until the first goal in every game.

Landlady Julia said: "We are looking forward to a busy few weeks."

Three flags adorn the Copper Kettle Guest House, Bacup Road, and proprietor Ryan Godwin said: "We are all trying to engender a little bit of community spirit and support for our side."

Paul Stannard, partner at the Royal Hotel, Bacup Road, said: "We will be showing every match on the big screen.

"We are also having drinks promotions for every England game and will be putting up bunting and balloons and four England flags outside the pub."