THIS giant 50ft by 20ft St George’s Cross could be the biggest flag of its type in the country, according to an Oxfordshire wine bar manager.

The flag has been hoisted on to the front of Izi Cafe and Wine Bar in Witney’s High Street as part of the venue’s preparations for the World Cup.

Bar manager Alex Vaughan said: “I think it could possibly be the biggest flag in England.

“I would like to know if it is the biggest in the country, but I reckon it’s the biggest one in Oxfordshire.

“My only worry is that someone will have a crash as you do see people rubber-necking as they drive past.

“We have had people coming in saying how brilliant it is. It brings out patriotism among people.”

The flag, which is so big that it had to be folded over to fit on to the front of the bar, was one of two of its kind made.

Owners Shaun and Bridget Hartless bought the flag from a contact in China.

The other flag will be taken to South Africa for the World Cup by the England Supporters’ Club, said Mr Vaughan.

Mr Vaughan said that if England reach the final stages, the wine bar will invite people to write their memories of the tournament on the flag and it will be kept as a memento.

Otherwise, it will be used for other patriotic occasions.

Mr Vaughan said: “Football is massive in Witney.

“When a major football tournament comes around, there is nothing else like it.

“We felt that producing something as a memento of the tournament would be a good way to give local people the opportunity to show their patriotism towards the national team.”

The flag was put up on Sunday, using a cherry picker.

Oxfordshire has a proud tradition of flying the St George’s Cross.

Landlord Danny Warville decorated the Fitzharris Arms, in Wootton Road, Abingdon, with more than 200 St George flags and banners on April 23.

The county’s Scouts held a St George’s Day parade in Oxford city centre and Wallingford was also decked out in 4ft flags on the day.

  • Do you think you can do better with your World Cup decorations? Call the Oxford Mail on 01865 425405
  • More World Cup build-up in Monday’s Oxford Mail witney@oxfordmail.co.uk