WITH the carnival, Olympic Torch relay and Diamond Jubilee celebrations on the way, Royal Wootton Bassett is flying the flag in giant proportions in preparation for the various festivities.

Town councillor Chris Wannell hoisted the 5.8 metre by 2.7 metre Union Flag on to the town hall yesterday, much to the amusement of passers-by.

The flag is the newest addition to the town’s decorations for the upcoming events, including a mile of bunting put up around the town and window displays created in the shops.

Chris, 70, who is chairman of the town’s Diamond Jubilee committee, said: “It didn’t take long to put the flag up. We have had people tooting their horns as they come past already and lots of people have been making comments.

“I wanted to do it because it looked so fantastic when I did it years ago. I am hoping it will kick everybody into action and encourage everybody in the town to decorate their shops and houses.”

The flag, which is being monitored by the town’s CCTV cameras, was made by System Signs in Royal Wootton Bassett and has been paid for out of the town council’s Jubilee budget.

Chris, who served in the fire brigade for more than 32 years, said he was keen to put the flag up himself.

“People have been saying I shouldn’t be up the ladder.

“My wife told me off about that but I was trained by the fire brigade,” he said.

“I am looking forward to the celebrations – I am very much a royalist and a ‘Queen and country’ man through and through.”

The carnival tomorrow will see festivities starting in High Street from midday, with the procession starting at 4.30pm.

The Olympic Flame will arrive in Royal Wootton Bassett before it makes its way on to Swindon next Wednesday.

The flame will be in Noremarsh Road at 12.32pm, Station Road at 12.38pm and High Street at 12.43pm.

And the Diamond Jubilee celebrations will see a festival taking place in High Street on June 4 from 2pm until 8pm.

Diamond Jubilee committee member Jen White said: “The flag is brilliant, you can see it way down the High Street. We want to encourage everybody to decorate their shops and houses too.”

For more information about any of the celebrations in Royal Wootton Bassett visit www.royalwoottonbassett.gov.uk