CELEBRATIONS to mark England’s national saint in Darwen were nearly undermined by a lack of St George’s Cross flags, it has been claimed.

The weekend celebrations included the middle ages-themed day in Darwen, distribution of red roses to ladies in Blackburn and combat displays at Clitheroe Castle.

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Darwen’s Market Square hosted jousting, jesters, St George and the Dragon, travelling minstrels and stocks.

But one thing was underrepresented – the red and white cross flags.

Councillor Peter Hollings highlighted the issue at a meeting of Darwen Town Council last Tuesday.

He said: “The first event of the year was St George’s Day and the weather was mostly dreadful.

“Despite this we had a great showing.

“Unfortunately there weren’t enough flags to adorn all the premises in Darwen.

“100 more flags have been ordered for next year.”

A Victory in Europe Day on May 8, however, was a success with a two-minute silence and a ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary outside Darwen Town Hall led by Darwen’s Royal British Legion.