PROUDLY flying the flag of your country during the World Cup is an essential part of the experience for many fans.

But Ivor Saunders, of Abingdon Road, has taken it a step further having put up 16 outside his home in celebration of the tournament.

As the standards fluttered in the breeze, Mr Saunders, pictured, said he was an avid football fan.

The 77-year-old said: “I get them off the internet, my mate Sid buys them for me. They cost about £3.

“They are all different, everyone admires them, strangers who walk past stop and talk to me about them. I think they cheer the place up as well.”

Some of the flags he has flying from his gate include Brazil, England, France, Spain, Argentina, Germany and the Netherlands.

The emblems for Liverpool Football Club and Plymouth Argyle are also nestled amongst the nations.

He added: “My favourite one is the Plymouth Argyle one – I have supported them since I was 12 – then the Brazilian one and then the Indian flag.”

Mr Saunders, who is a retired chef, said he had no plans to take them down after the end of the tournament because they lifted the atmosphere in the “dull” street.

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