Pub cheers for England

Come on England! Football fever is sweeping a pub in the Black Country which has been decked out with flags and bunting in the run- up to next month's World Cup.

The Grapes, in Bilston, is a sea of St George's flags inside and out and the patriotic display is even stopping traffic.

Adam Fletcher, whose mother, Ann-Marie Perrin, runs the pub, said the flags and bunting were adding to the excitement leading up to the 2010 tournament, which takes place in South Africa.

"We've put loads of flags up on the front and inside the pub. There is a real buzz now about the competition.

"People who come in are getting excited so we thought we'd do something really bold to reflect that."

Mr Fletcher, aged 29, added that the amount of decorations at the pub were causing a stir in Bilston.

"People have been coming past the pub and slowing down in their cars," he said.

"It's certainly an eye catcher and has been causing a stir round here."

He added: "I think England have got a fair chance of getting far in the competition,, but I'm not sure they'll win. I hope they do."

The Grapes, in Moseley Road, will be screening most of the matches when the tournament starts on Friday, June 11. England kick off their World Cup campaign against the USA on the following day, June 12.