Roundabout made into England flag

The unusual landmark is to be allowed to stay during Euro 2004

A team of artistic football fans have turned a roundabout into a giant England flag ahead of their team's Euro 2004 clash with Switzerland.

The daring jokers painted a St George's Cross on a mini-roundabout in the Oxfordshire village of Chinnor in the early hours of the morning.

But parish councillors have decided to leave their handiwork untouched during the competition in Portugal.

The fans responsible say many motorists have been stopping to take photos.

'Patriotic hi-jinks'

One of the fans, who wanted to stay anonymous, told the BBC: "People seem to be smiling quite a lot when they go past and see it, so it has been one good result!"

Brenda Wilson, clerk of Chinnor Parish Council, said: "I have approached each of the parish councillors and on the whole they are quite happy to leave it there - they think it is quite fun.

"One councillor described it as patriotic hi-jinks, which I think sums it up quite well.

"In fact, it enhances the visibility of the roundabout if anything."