SAINT George was out and about in Wisbech on Monday calling for April 23 to be declared a public holiday so people can celebrate their English heritage. The three founder members of the Fenland branch of The Royal Society of St George were dressed as the

SAINT George was out and about in Wisbech on Monday calling for April 23 to be declared a public holiday so people can celebrate their English heritage.

The three founder members of the Fenland branch of The Royal Society of St George were dressed as the patron saint as they asked people to sign a petition demanding the day be made a holiday.

Nearly one million people have already signed the petition and an early day motion to get the day recognised as a public holiday has been signed by 43 MPs.

Chairman Steve Clark said: "Basically we want to make people aware of our national day. We also celebrate the Battle of Trafalgar because we are on the Norfolk border.

"This is our special day and we think it should be celebrated in the proper way. We have had an excellent reception from both young and old. The younger generation would like to have another holiday and the older ones see it as a celebration of English values such as courtesy and respect."

Mr Clark of Wisbech said the inaugural meeting of the Fenland branch was held in January and another meeting is planned soon. It will be held in the Duke's Head, Wisbech.

He would like to see Fenland residents holding street parties and other celebrations.

Mr Clark said: "We have been celebrating St George's Day for years but not in such a high profile way as today."

- Anyone interested in finding out more about the Fenland branch of the Royal Society of St George can contact Mr Clark, Tel 0780 359 0996.