BOLTON was awash with red and white as the town celebrated St George's Day in style.

Shops, pubs and public buildings were decked out in the flag of England's patron saint as residents got into the spirit.

And patriotic Boltonians were happy to see the standard flying proudly above Bolton Town Hall throughout the day.

Last year, council workers had been unable to hoist the flag until midday because of a frayed rope.

But yesterday everything ran like clockwork.

Unlike St Patrick's Day in Ireland, there is no public holiday to celebrate all things English on St George's Day.

But a lucky few workers were given the day off to celebrate.

Chris Houghton, managing director of Bolton IT systems specialist Eventura, took his 15 staff members on a pub crawl.

Dressed as knights, they collected cash for children's charity NSPCC.

He said: "Since the company was set up six years ago, we've always had the day off to celebrate.

"I don't understand why bigger firms don't have St George's Day off too."

Staff at Sainsbury's town centre supermarket got into the spirit of things and dressed up as famous English characters from the past.

Winston Churchill and Queen Victoria were among the famous faces to make an appearance, while other staff members dressed as jesters and Tudors.

Bolton Male Voice Choir was also there to lend a hand and raise money for The Victim Support and Witness Protection Service.

Martin Donaghy, spokesman for Sainsbury's in Bolton, said: "The day went very well, all the staff and customers entered into the spirit of St George's Day and we made money for our favourite charity."