THE Union flag will keep flying outside a Johnson Fold home — after a dad-of-five won a patriotic battle with his landlords.

Paul Rushton featured was told in August by Bolton At Home to take down flags that had been flying outside his house in Hollin Hey Road.

The news prompted outrage after the letter he received was seen on Facebook by hundreds of people.

But now Mr Rushton has been told he can keep his flagpole and flags.

He said: “The big bosses came down and apologies to me, they said I was the only person to receive the letter.

“They did a quick survey of the flagpole and said it was fine, and then gave me a list of the flags you can fly.

“I just wanted to be patriotic and fly a flag from my house. I’ve always flown one from my house.”

In celebration the 45-year-old school caretaker has expanded his collection, and now flies the flags of the United Kingdom, Lancashire, Bolton Wanderers, Royal Air Force, British Army and the Lancashire Rose in rotation.

Tenants at Bolton At Home are allowed to fly any flags from their houses so long as they meet government guidance, which includes any country’s national flag and any representing a UK county or town.

A spokesman for Bolton At Home confirmed they had visited Mr Rushton to carry out an inspection.

He added: “We’re happy that the flagpole is safe and secure. We ask our customers to seek our permission before putting up flagpoles as we have to ensure they comply with government guidance and are sited appropriately.”

Bolton Council passed a resolution in April, agreeing to write to all schools in the borough to encourage them to fly the Union flag.