Swindon has gone all patriotic as England's first game in the Euro 2004 football tournament draws near. KEVIN SHOESMITH looks at how the town is gearing up to the event

SWINDON is in the grip of football fever as Our Boys prepare to take on France in their Euro 2004 opener.

Stores across town are reporting brisk sales of snack food and beer as people stock up to watch the tournament, which kicks-off on Saturday.

England's game against Thierry Henry and Co will be played on Sunday evening.

And Swindon people are getting in the party mood while all the action takes place in Portugal, which is hosting the tournament.

Latest weather forecasts, which point to a break in the recent warm spell, seem to be doing little to deter the barbecue lover.

Stuart Murray, spokesman for Asda on the Orbital Retail Park, said business is booming.

He said: "This tournament is great for us just like the World Cup in 2002.

"Our barbecues are selling much faster than expected for this time of the year.

"And people seem to be buying in bulk so they don't have to worry about planning their shopping trips around the crucial matches.

"That way they can sit back and enjoy the football knowing they have their fridge full."

And it's not just tasty treats that are flying off the shelves.

A canvas chair, with the cross of St George on it, seems to be one of this summer's essentials for the avid England fan.

Mr Murray admitted the giant store had underestimated demand.

He said: "We thought we had enough to last through the group stages but they are almost gone already.

"We are now making some arrangements to get some more.

"We certainly don't think we are going to have a stock left by the end of the group stages."

Figures are not yet available, but the store says sales of pennants, which clip onto cars, are proving irresistible to patriotic Swindonians.

But motorists are warned that the £1.95 novelties could land them a £2,500 fine if their vision is impaired.

Some local authorities have even banned minicabs from sporting them.

But Gavin Calthrop, spokes-man for Swindon Council, said there are no plans to bring in the killjoy measures.

"This council does not consider enforcing a ban on taxis displaying flags to be a particularly wise use of resources.

"Obviously a lot of people will be watching the match this weekend and want to display their support.

"However we would urge all taxi drivers and motorists to display flags sensibly so that they do not make it dangerous to drive."

Ed Adams, managing director of Millennium Radio Cars, said around 35 of his drivers are proudly flying the national colours.

"It shouldn't be a problem," he said.

"I think it's nice to be patriotic now and again.

"It's what this country needs after the problems in Iraq.

"If the flags make people feel good then I'm all for them.

"Bureaucrats wanting to stop this should wake up and smell the coffee or have a nice long holiday and come back when the football is over."

Kevin Shoesmith