ONE of County Durham's most famous sons is helping the region to fly the flag as England gears up for the European football championships.

Former England manager Sir Bobby Robson handed over a cross of St George to Coun Alan Fenwick, chairman of Durham County Council at St James' Park on Tuesday.

Coun Fenwick's son, Terry, was a defender in the England squad managed by Sir Bobby in the 1986 World Cup, who were knocked out of the competition by Argentina through Diego Maradonna's controversial 'Hand of God' goal.

Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby was born in Sacriston, near Durham, the son of a miner, and was raised in the nearby village of Langley Park.

He presented the flag before jetting out to work as a TV pundit in Portugal for Euro 2004. His gift will be flown from the top of County Hall, in Durham, for as long as England remain in the competition.

Coun Fenwick said: "It was marvellous of Sir Bobby to make time to give us the flag before jetting off to Portugal himself. My only hope is that we can fly it for the duration of the tournament and thereafter, to celebrate an England victory in the final on July 4."