A FESTIVAL Eucharist for St George’s Day is being held this-evening in London’s East End with a new flag to mark England’s big day—appropriately at St George-in-the-East Church. It is celebrating the raising of its new flag after the old, tattered one got worn out

By Linda Lewis

A FESTIVAL Eucharist for St George's Day is being held this-evening (Friday) in London's East End with a new flag to mark England's big day-appropriately at St George-in-the-East Church.

It is also to celebrate the raising of its replacement Flag of St George's Cross after the old, tattered one got worn out from the bitter winter.

The ancient church in Shadwell has been without its flag for several months.

But the new one is proving so popular that The Rev Michael Ainsworth is under pressure to make sure it stays up all year round.

"Other churches with nautical connections fly the White Ensign all year round," he said. "I'm in favour of keeping our flag up all the time as well."

Tonight's Eucharist Festal at the Church in Canon Street Road, on the corner of The Highway, begins at 7.30pm.