MOTORISTS searching for this summer's must-have car accessory are set for disappointment.

Thousands of drivers across the region have attached small England flags to the roofs of their vehicles, to show their support for the national football side as Euro 2004 glory beckons.

But AA Flags, of Consett, County Durham, which supplies the small St George flags, has sold out.

Mandy Scott, AA Flags owner, said: "We imported 10,000 flags from Taiwan for the Rugby World Cup last year, but they didn't really sell at all.

"Then suddenly, with the football coming up, they started going like hot cakes and we have none left at all."

The firm is working round-the-clock to supply supporters with huge banners that will be displayed in stadiums for England's matches during Euro 2004, which kicks off in Portugal on Saturday.

Ms Scott, 35, who founded AA Flags 12 years ago, said: "The demand for flags with club names, town names or messages written on has been huge. We are working seven days a week to keep up."

She has taken on two extra staff to cope with the orders.