TORIES at Notts County Council have hung the St George's Cross and the Union flag outside County Hall to boost national pride.

The patriotic move was one of the first changes Conservatives have made since taking control of the authority.

The group, which has a number of former soldiers among its ranks, says it wanted to show respect for fallen and injured servicemen and their pride in the country's heritage.

Coun Keith Girling, who served in the Grenadier Guards for 18 years, left as a colour sergeant after fighting the Gulf War and in touring Northern Ireland.

He said: "We will fly the flag of St George and the Grand Union Flag outside County Hall permanently.

"We have always said we are patriotic. We are proud of our heritage.

"It is about having a pride in what you believe in and showing respect to those who gave their lives for this country."

Coun Bruce Laughton, a former teacher, served in the Army as an officer with the Duke of Wellington's Battalion for three years.

He said: "It is important that we recognise our heritage. It is also important that we recognise that we are British. We should show pride in our flags."

Coun David Taylor, the chairman of the council, who carried out national service for two years as a private in the Sherwood Foresters, said the authority hoisting the flags was "excellent".

He said: "We want to support staff who are in the voluntary services, like the Territorial Army. That's very important.

"People can be called up for service to go off for six or 12 months. It is important that they can safeguard their position and don't suffer as a result of it."

Coun Tom Pettengell, vice-chairman of the council, who was in the RAF for four years, said: "It is about being proud to be English and British. It is very important.

"People have been hesitant to fly the national flags. People should be proud."