DESPITE about 1,000 people taking part in a parade in Kidderminster to mark England's national saint's day, the cross of St George was not flying from St Mary's Church flagpole.
It was not a lack of patriotism that saw the absence of the flag during the parade - held on Sunday, the day after St George's Day - but concerns over public safety.
Canon Owain Bell, vicar of St Mary's, said the 35ft tall flagpole would have to be replaced. He had found it frustrating the flag could not be flown at Easter either but vowed a new pole would, eventually, be put in place.
"We will put it right as soon as possible," said Mr Bell, "We're getting quotes at the moment."
The parade, itself, he added, had gone well. "It was a very good day," he said, "The sun shone."
He went on: "The flag will be back, I promise."
Among people taking part in the parade was polar explorer, Sue Stockdale, Kidderminster's mayor, councillor Siri Hayward, and Wyre Forest District Council chairman, councillor John Simmonds.
Some of the town's streets were closed off for the event.
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