A CRUSADER armed with the cross of St George rode through city streets to demand a national holiday for the English yesterday.

To celebrate St George's Day, horseman Simon Doxfield, 18, donned a tabard and chainmail vest to lead a procession of proud Englishmen and women to Newcastle's famous keep.

Astride his trusty steed Sheba, Simon, from Winlaton, in Gateshead, called for an English national holiday for the patron saint's day.

John Robson, who organised the parade, said: "We are English and we should be proud to be.

"I'm delighted so many people have joined in and offered their support.

"St George's Day is our day and every year the celebrations are getting better.

"We want April 23 to be a national holiday for every Englishman and woman."