PATRIOTIC pints will be downed at a Southampton pub this week as the roses come out to celebrate England's St George's Day.

The Cowherds on Southampton Common has commissioned a special set of red rose lapel badges for people to demonstrate their backing for the patron saint of England.

Taking inspiration from England's Rugby World Cup winning team of last year, the pub decided to adopt the red rose - the same emblem used by the national rugby team.

All next week, landlord Robert Mitchell will be giving away the badges in the run-up to April 23 and taking donations for the ex-servicemen's charity the Royal British Legion.

Mr Mitchell said: "We are a traditional English inn and I feel it is only right that we should be backing St George's Day.

Anyone turning up at the pub wearing a rose will be entered into a prize draw to win a Sunday lunch for four people.