STAFF at a Bromsgrove flag company are gearing themselves to working long hours in the run-up to the Queen's Golden Jubilee to meet customers' demands.

The aptly named firm Up The Pole in Meadow Road, Catshill, is one of only two firms that make flags in the Midlands.

Boss Mike Clements, who runs the firm with his wife Jean, said: "We are snowed under at the moment and are expecting to have to work flat out as the jubilee approaches."

He said orders for company flags are making up the bulk of orders right now, but more and more people are buying St George and Union flags to fly in their gardens.

Last year the foot and mouth epidemic stopped many firms from exhibiting at shows, especially the big agricultural events he said, now they are ordering new flags and bunting in readiness for the summer.

Other big customers are the Royal British Legion and service organisations.

The largest flag they make, measuring a massive 24ft by 12ft flies from the roof of the Council House in Birmingham.