ARMED with a sword, shield and a suit of armour the Daily Echo's own St George descended on the streets of Southampton to gain support for a new bank holiday to celebrate our patron saint.

He may have killed a dragon but it seems such a feat of strength is not enough to qualify for a national holiday in this country.

Scouring the city streets most Southampton residents agreed that there should be a celebration of sorts for our patron saint to rival that of the Irish and their St Patrick's day celebrations.

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Even without the threat of the sword and shield there was almost a unanimous decision that there should be a national holiday in his honour.

Many agreed we should celebrate with a typical English pint or cup of tea, wrap ourselves in the English flag and enjoy another bank holiday with pride.

England has eight bank holidays every year. This is many fewer than most European countries including Italy which has 12, France and Austria which has 13 and Spain and Portugal which have 14 such days a year.

Supporting the move is a Hampshire campaign with more than a million supporters people backing the call for a public holiday on April 23.

Organiser, property developer Colin Tabor, from Lymington, said it is a campaign that has been growing in support over recent years.

"As well as being a holiday, St Patrick's Day in Ireland has a lot of support, mainly by Guinness, so we are trying to get a brewery to launch a beer or event for St George's Day," he said.

"Four or five years ago we didn't get much interest but now people are really getting behind it.

"There are many companies up and down the country who are also taking the day off now and I think it is getting more and more popular," he added.

  • The St George costume was provided by Just For Fun, Queensway, Southampton. (023) 8022 1494