IT is a symbol of national pride.

Now people in Southampton are being urged to embrace that proud history by flying the English flag on St George’s Day.

Southampton Itchen MP John Denham is leading the call for it to be raised from every flagpole on April 23 in a bid to celebrate our national identity.

Anyone without a flagpole is being urged to display flags from windows, balconies and any other lofty vantage point.

The St George Cross Challenge comes as preparations are under way to stage a city-wide calendar of activities taking place to celebrate the patron saint of England.

Details of the events taking place will be revealed in the Daily Echo over the coming weeks.

The city’s second festival reserved for the saint takes place on the patron’s day itself, and features a wide range of events for people of all ages and backgrounds.

It follows the success of the inaugural festival held last year.

Hundreds of people turned out to parades, fun days, medieval archery, Shakespearean drama, dragon puppetry and old town tours.

Celebrations climaxed with a large festival event at Southampton City College, while a series of 16 short films focusing on the work of local community groups were also screened.

The MP – who is standing down ahead of the election – is organising this year’s event with city council communities chief Cllr Satvir Kaur.

Southampton Festivals, Southampton Voluntary Services and the Cathedral Innovation Centre.

Southampton Connect, the City College and Southampton Solent University are also backing the scheme.

Mr Denham said: “Southampton is a great English city. We’ve been involved in every major event in England’s history.

“Throughout the ages, Southampton has always been built by all the people who are making their lives here, wherever they or their families once lived.

“On St George’s Day we don’t just celebrate our history but the future of this great English city that we are all building together.

“Flying the St George’s Cross says we are proud of our past and confident about our future.”