CALLS for St George’s Day to be declared a bank holiday have been made by one of Yorkshire’s MEPs.

Godfrey Bloom, of UKIP, said April 23 was still “a very low-key event” and his party has set up an e-petition calling it to become a national holiday. He also suggested traditional English real ales could be promoted as part of a reinvigorated St George celebration to boost the pub industry.

“Every year, a big fuss is made about St Patrick’s Day, and it would be fantastic if as much fuss was made about the patron saint of England,” he said.

Mr Bloom said he hoped people would show their support for St George’s Day by wearing a red rose on Tuesday.