AFTER receiving a barrel load of abuse from revellers on St Patrick's Day, one publican has decided it is high time that England's own national day was celebrated too.

As the regulars at the Royal Oak, in Sparrows Herne, Bushey, knocked back pints of Guinness to recognise Ireland's national day, last month, the landlord of the pub, Alistair Carswell, was quizzed as to why St George's Day was ignored.

And so this year Alistair has decided to try and promote the day, and raise money for charity at the same time, by holding a celebration to recognise England's patron saint.

Alistair said: "On St Patrick's Day everyone was moaning at me that we never do anything for St George's Day - and they are right.

"So we really want to make a stand for St George's Day and this will be the first of many and I hope we can set an example to others as well, because I feel really strongly about it."

With St George's Day coming up on Monday, April 23, The Royal Oak will soon be decked out in St George's crosses and will be holding celebrations throughout next weekend, as well as on the day itself.