After flying outside Sidney Gorman’s home for 15 years, his St George’s flag was beginning to look tatty.

So the 69-year-old patriot was gobsmacked when he was sent a new one by three Black Country soldiers.

A letter signed by Mick, Taggy and Steve explained how the sight of the red and white flag put a smile on their face each time they passed Sidney’s home in Bealeys Lane, Bloxwich.

The letter read: “Passing that flag to us means home. Not flying back into the country. Not travelling the motorway. That flag means it all.

“On Friday, coming home to Wednesfield off the M6, I asked my father to go out of his way, so as to pass the flag of St George.

“It was in something of a poor state, so some of the boys and I acquired a replacement as a thank-you.”

Sidney, a retired butcher, who has one son, said he was left close to tears by the gesture.

“I have been flying the flag for about 15 years from a pole outside my house.

“There was a campaign in the newspapers at the time asking people to be more patriotic and I decided I should get involved.

“The flags don’t last that long, three years at the most, so this one was due to be changed. I just hadn’t got around to it.

“I was really chuffed, when I received the package, especially with the letter.

“I have always had positive feedback to the flag from the local community.”

Sydney added: “That soldiers will take a detour to drive past the house is quite something.

“It brought a lump to my throat.”

* Are you Mick, Taggy or Steve? Call our reporters on 01922 444320.