Business is booming for a Keighley firm that says British is best!

Graham Johnson has seen sales of his Union Jack goods soar as Brits prepare to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee and cheer on England in the World Cup.

What started out as a hobby 18 months ago has turned into a thriving business selling everything from flags and tee shirts to patriotic pants and G-strings via the Internet.

The 42-year-old, who runs his Union Jack Wear business single-handedly from a unit in Mantra House, Keighley, says: "There was an increase in interest following the death of the Queen Mother and now it has really taken off because of the jubilee and World Cup.

"I've had interest from all over the UK, and have even sent off orders to people in Alaska and Brazil

"Some are ex-pats, but people from other countries like the products because of the Union Jack design.

"There has been a lot of interest from people in Cornwall who seem to be very patriotic, but not that many enquiries from Yorkshire. Hopefully that will change.

"Since I started up the business I have certainly become more patriotic."

He adds: "I started up because my cousin in America wanted a Union Jack t-shirt, and although you could get them in London, it was very difficult to find one in Keighley.

"I searched the Internet and couldn't find anything, so that inspired me to start it as hobby and then as a business."

Graham, who lives at Harecroft, Wilsden, and balances his business with a job in IT, has built up a weird and wonderful stock of red, white and blue products including trousers, mini skirts, underwear, hats, sunglasses and towels. He is also supplying more traditional bunting to a town in Cheshire for the jubilee celebrations.

More details can be found on the company's website www.unionjackwear.co.uk or by phoning 01535 607101 or writing to him at Unit 44, Mantra House, South Street, Keighley, BD 21 1SX.