ST GEORGE'S Day came and went without so much as a 'three cheers' this week and the public's lack of interest is not lost on the Mayor of Halton, John Swain.

Only three national flags were spotted in Halton on rain-swept Monday - the day of our patron saint - while residents told the Weekly News how they would rather celebrate St Patrick's Day with a pint of Guinness.

Although calls have been made for something to be done to save the supposed day of national pride, seemingly no one is prepared to celebrate being English.

On Sunday, Cllr Swain attended Widnes' St George's Day parade where 300 Cubs, Scouts and Guides marched through the town. But despite the event's high attendance, Cllr Swain believes that something has got to be done to save April 23.

He said: 'It was an absolute privilege to be part of the parade that involved over 300 youngsters from across the district.

'It really was a great turnout, on what was a very wet and miserable Sunday morning, and there was excellent support from the parents and the leaders.

'But, as a country, we don't support St George's Day enough. It ought to be made much more high profile and we all have a responsibility in doing that.

'It's very important that each and every one of us takes pride in being English and British.'

ben.coulbeck@cheshirenews.co.uk

What should be done to mark St George's Day? E-mail runcorn.news@cheshirenews.co.uk with your ideas