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England football fans fill street with flags

Simon SparkIn Grimsby
Simon Spark / BBC Tom Leonard standing in front of the street filled with flags. He has a grey beard and wears a black baseball cap and shirtSimon Spark / BBC
Tom Leonard says the flags on a street in Grimsby are bringing people together

A Grimsby street has been festooned with flags as residents get together to watch England's progress in the World Cup.

Wroxham Avenue has the St George's Cross hanging off every lamppost and house, with red and white bunting criss-crossing the road.

On Wednesday, families watched England's 2-1 victory over DR Congo on big screens in their gardens.

Tom Leonard, who started the ball rolling by putting up a few flags, said it had "brought all the community together".

"People are watching the games outside with projectors," he said.

"They've even brought tellies outside and the kids just absolutely love it."

Sylvia Leonard, 72, said there was a great community spirit in the road and everybody was hoping England made it to the final.

"They're all friends, they're all neighbours, they're all really good," she said.

"If they [England] get there, there'll be a big party down the street."

The community has spent more than £250 decorating the street and hope the flags and support will help England lift the World Cup.

Simon Spark / BBC Rows of England flags are strung across Wroxham Avenue in GrimsbySimon Spark / BBC
Residents have spent more than £250 decorating Wroxham Avenue in Grimsby

Prior to England's latest nail-biting win, courtesy of a captain Harry Kane's brace, resident Liam described the scene as "unbelievable".

He said it had brought back memories of previous football tournaments.

"I've not seen it like this down here for years, since I was a kid," said Liam.

"And it's just kind of bringing a passion back a little bit now for everybody, I think."

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