A PATRIOTIC house is to stay decorated with the cross of St George, despite England's exit from the World Cup.

Andrew Kipling painted the flag on the outside of his house in Gouldsmith Gardens, in Darlington, to show his support for the nation's football team.

Although Mr Kipling had said he would paint over the design when the competition was over, he is now determined to leave his house painted red and white until the European Championships in 2004.

The fan reached the decision after negotiations with his girlfriend, who said the flag could stay, as long has he put his paintbrush to work indoors.

Yesterday, Mr Kipling said: "I was so depressed when we lost the match on Friday.

"I thought the first goal would kick start the whole match and we would win but it just seemed to go all wrong in the second half."

Mr Kipling, a quality controller for a double glazing firm, watched the game with his friends at his patriotic home, but sadly the specialist paint-job failed to give England the luck they needed.

He said: "We were all gutted. But I don't think you can blame David Seaman.

"His goalkeeping had kept us in the tournament up until that point and he has played really well for his club and for the country."

Mr Kipling's neighbours have not complained about his unusual-looking house and his girlfriend, Sharon Allinson, agreed the flag could stay.

Mr Kipling, 37, said: "I've promised to do some decorating inside the house to make up for it.

"The neighbours have just laughed, everyone has been a good sport and no one has objected.

"I won't paint over it for at least two years, so it will be there for the European Championships.

"If we do well there I might not paint over it until after the next World Cup."