The 2018 World Cup is here, with the first match kicking off today - and one England fan wanted to make sure his house was ready for the tournament.

For almost 34 years Graham Dunn has proudly displayed flags and St George’s crosses at his home in Penhill Drive, Swindon, to show his support for England.

He has strewn more than 25 flags and bunting on the front of his house, in the garden, and on his shed and fence.

The Penhill FC Sunday league team manager has even hinted that he will be adding more to the collection while the competition is running.

Graham said: “I always do this every four years and I enjoy preparing for it, it makes me feel like I am doing my bit for the team.

“I have always been football mad and the World Cup is as big as it gets, so why not celebrate it?

“The neighbours seem to love it and are starting to hang their own flags up. I just hope more people do it because it’s a laugh and also a good way to support the team.”

The 44-year-old remembers putting up his first flag in support of the Three Lions during the 1986 World Cup, and since then it is a passion which has grown.

It took him an hour and a half to put everything up – with the assistance of his two sons, Luke and Owen, who needed to hold the ladder to make sure he didn’t fall.

He said he has to call on their help whenever he pulls the flags out of the attic for another year.

The flags should also set the standard for everyone else to follow, he said.

“I would love to see a sea of red and white flags in Swindon, even if it is just for the matches.

“I just can’t wait for England’s first game against Tunisia on Monday, no matter what happens I will enjoy the atmosphere and even if the team don’t make it to the final, the flags will be up until the end of the tournament.

“I welcome anyone to come and put a flag up on my house, no matter what nation.”

n Can you beat Graham? If you’ve decorated your house to support England - or any of the other teams in the World Cup - email newsdesk@swindondavertiser.co.uk