IN the United States the stars and stripes can be seen flying from every school and public building in the country.

I believe in Japan schoolchildren assemble each morning to witness the raising of their national flag before lessons commence.

How sad it is we in Britain don't do the same. I note that the local police authority has to obtain planning permission before a flag pole can be put up at their new headquarters.

During the Rugby World Cup and the European Football Championship the Cross of St George was displayed in hundreds of windows and on countless cars, which proves patriotism is not dead.

It should be a legal requirement that the Union Jack be flown from public buildings. People should be encouraged to fly it in their front gardens. Then, and only then, will we show the world we are proud to be British and it will go a long way in putting the great back in Great Britain.

R W SELWAY

Stratton St Margaret