Lytham businessman gives staff St George's Day off

10:00am Wednesday 23rd April 2008

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A Lytham businessman is backing a campaign to make St George's Day a national holiday, and is giving all his staff the day off today.

David Haythornthwaite, 54, chairman of the Tangerine Group, a group of manufacturing companies specialising in veterinary health products, gave 120 staff the day off to celebrate the "forgotten holiday".

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He said: "Whilst most of the country are working or having a normal day, I will be enjoying a couple of pints with my family and friends today.

"St George's Day has long been ignored as an event and for some reason more English people would rather pay homage to St Patrick's Day.

"England has its issues like every other nation but around the world, countries proudly celebrate their heritage and we don't. I am keen to celebrate it with a day off, and plenty of opportunity for fun."