Romford Market was transformed into a sea of red and white flags to mark St George’s Day.

Hundreds of shoppers and visitors to the Market Place, Romford, enjoyed the sunshine and celebrations for the day of England’s patron saint on Saturday - April 23.

Market stalls were decorated in patriotic bunting while Town Crier Tony Appleton got everyone into the spirit of the day.

To ensure the day had an appearance by St George himself, James and Jean Turner dressed up as the patron saint and a fair maiden.

Cllr Michael White, the leader of Havering Council, said: “This was a fantastic event, the sun was shining and hundreds of people turned up to get into the spirit of the day.

“It’s important to mark the day of England’s patron saint, and what better place to do it than Romford’s historic Market Place.”

The festivities also continued throughout the rest of the borough.

In Rainham, Cllr Jef Tucker decorated his shop, Rainham Goldmine Jewellers in the St George’s Day flag while youngsters also got swept along by the patriotic spirit by dressing up in their favourite red and white outfits.

Cllr Tucker said: “The best part about the day was the kids dressing up, they were all really excited.

“It might not have been as big as St Patrick’s Day but we know how to celebrate.”

While the rest of the borough enjoyed the festivities, the old argument erupted about whether the day should become a public holiday.

Havering’s St George’s Day Committee, a group set up to make the day a public holiday, visited Elm Park to collect signatures of people to supoport the move.

Chairman of the committee, Cllr David Durant said: “Most people already knew it was St George’s Day and they didn’t need much encouragement to sign our petition.

“It is only a matter of time before the day is recognised and a public holiday introduced.”