'We should be proud, we can't lose our history'

A 68-year-old man has said he decorated his house for St George's Day in an effort to keep history alive.

Walter Gunston, from Isleham, Cambridgeshire, spent about five hours adorning his home to celebrate England's patron saint.

Mr Gunston has transformed his house in the past to honour the NHS, Armed Forces Day, Remembrance Sunday and Christmas - where he used 9,200 lights.

Mr Gunston said he "does go over the top," but added "we should be proud, we can't lose our history".

Mr Gunston has a 6m (19ft) pole outside his home near Ely, which he uses to fly a variety of flags based on what day he is celebrating.

For St George's Day he has added many additional flags to his home.

He said the day was "important", and thought it should be a public holiday.

"I have tinsel, red and white flowers and a coloured spotlight that lights up the house in red at night time," he said.

"I do go over the top but we should be proud, we can't lose our history.

"I try and do my bit and stand out, but I don't apologise for that - the smiles and reactions [to the house] are worth it."

Mr Gunston said he has lived in the area all his life and his neighbours now expect his displays.

"I put up 9,200 lights at Christmas and you can hear cars come down, break, and reverse back up again.

"When you hear [and see] people stop and smile that is when you know you have done your job and presented something good for them.

"I love it and get a buzz off doing it, and if everyone could [do it] it would be wonderful."

Mr Gunston has been already preparing for what will be the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings on 6 June 2024.

Another key date in his calendar will be 2 September 2025, which will mark 80 years since the Second World War ended.

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