STAFF at a North-East business have been working round the clock to meet demand for its St George's Cross flags.

England fans preparing to show their support for the national side are boosting the profits of AA Flags, in Consett, County Durham, after it was inundated with orders from England fans wanting to show their support for the national team.

A similar soar in demand occurred before the Euro 2004 tournament in Portugal.

Julie Nixon, accounts manager at the company, said staff were working overtime to meet orders.

She said: "The girls are working seven days a week on 12-hour shifts. We cannot make enough St George's flags really."

The company is sending out 30 to 40 boxes of flags every day - at least half of which are St George's flags.

The number has doubled over the past month.

Because the company personalises its flags, demand is high for flags with "We still believe" written on, ones with three lions, and ones with children's names.

The bespoke flags also come in different sizes, with the largest being a huge 66ft by 25ft flag sent to a bar in London, which took several hours to complete.

Ms Nixon said: "We did not expect it to take off like it has.

"There was a slow trickle towards the end of April, but this month it has really taken off."

The flags are only one way fans can back their country during the cup.

A Newcastle beauty salon has taken delivery of thousands of St George's temporary tattoos.

Manager of Clinic 54 Kym Guiney said: "They are totally removable so they won't be stuck on your face forever, but they will not run or smear and last as long as you want.

"It will be so exciting to see my idea on England fans' faces at the first game and people wearing them in pubs and bars."

Newcastle has also proved to be one of the most popular areas in the country for Wayne Rooney rubber masks, sold at Tesco stores.

And limited edition St George cross-style armchairs have also proved popular at branches of furniture store MFI in the region.