THE star-spangled banner flew at half-mast yesterday over a North-East building with historic trans-Atlantic links.

Washington Old Hall, the ancestral home of the family of the first US president, is a popular visitor attraction for large numbers of American tourists.

The 17th Century hall, built on the site of the original 12th Century manor house, was the home of a branch of the Washington family which emigrated to the US, settling in Virginia, in 1656, as a result of the English Civil War.

Now owned by The National Trust, the Old Hall, in Washington Village on Wearside, retains its connection with the US through an extensive collection of portraits of George Washington and other illustrations featuring landmarks in American history.

Many items on display were donated by American benefactors, who also helped to pay for much of the restoration.

The hall stages an annual ceremony every year on American Independence Day, July 4,

The National Trust is inviting visitors to sign a book of remembrance at the hall on Sunday.

Admission to the hall, normally £2.80 for adults and £1.40 for children, will be waived for all visitors on Sunday, while the US flag will remain at half-mast.