A VILLAGE on the outskirts of Darlington has taken patriotism to its heart since the jubilee celebrations.

A temporary flagpole was erected on the village green at Hurworth to fly the Union Flag during the Queen's golden jubilee bank holiday weekend.

But the sight of it on the green swelled such national pride in residents that a call was made for it to remain a landmark.

Donated by Buster Harrison, of Harrison Steeplejacks, who lives close to the green, the flagpole will now remain an integral part of village life.

To make sure there were no regulations banning the Union Flag from flying all year round, the parish council contacted the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

A letter was returned stating that it had no objections but that the flag would be expected to fly at half-mast when appropriate.

Concerns had been raised previously that the new equipment might raise the parish council's insurance premium. However, it is known now that this is not the case.

At Tuesday's meeting of the parish council, it was decided that the only flags to be flown from the mast would be the Union and St George's flags.

Coun Rod Burtt, ward councillor, said: "I will undertake for the flags to be in the right place at the right time.

"But perhaps the raising or lowering of the flag could be undertaken by someone like the village litter picker."

It was agreed that the Union Flag would remain and when it was appropriate for the St George's flag to fly, the litter picker would be asked to undertake the extra duty.