In Lytham, a huge St George's Day event is set to be a massive boost for business in the town.

Traders are hoping the occasion will bring thousands to the high street and are praying for good weather this weekend.

Many are now proudly displaying St George's flags in their shop windows and bunting is flying all over the town.

Marc Whitehead, from Exquisite, a shoe shop on Clifton Street, said: "We're all really getting into the spirit of things. The shops have put out flags and bunting and everyone is really feeling patriotic.

"It's looking really good and there's been a lot of effort put in. I think it will create a really good atmosphere and there should be a lot of people coming to the event, which can only be good for business."

Marion Meaney, from La Borsa a leather goods store, also on Clifton Street, said: "We're all hoping for a big boost if the weather stays nice. I take my hat off to the organisers.

"We're now becoming known as the most patriotic town in the country and I think that's wonderful."

Meanwhile at St George's School, on Cherry Tree Road, Marton, teachers and pupils organised a week-long programme of gameshow-themed events.

It saw teachers take to the dance floor for a spot of Strictly Come Dancing as well as playing Family Fortunes, I'm A Teacher Get Me Out Of Here and Wipeout.

A school spokesman said: "We always have a series of events every year so it's no exception for us."

The three-day festival in Lytham gets under way today with an official flag raising ceremony on Lytham Green this morning.

A host of dignitaries including festival organiser David Haythornthwaite, Fylde sporting legends Jimmy Armfield and Bill Beaumont and officers from the Army Benevolent Fund will be in attendance.

The celebrations will then move over to Lytham Hall, where a glittering St George's lunch event is being held to launch the event. Around 900 people have shelled out big money for tickets to the lunch, which features a keynote speech from journalist and proud Englishman Martin Bell.

The second day of the three-day celebration will see a glamourous Friday night black tie ball and will be followed by a family fun day on Saturday with a parade and a whole host of festivities.

Mr Haythornthwaite said the idea behind the festival was to restore some national pride to England.

He also wants to make St George's Day a national holiday and raise £1m for charity over five years.