A pub doubling up as a polling booth has been criticised for flying the English flag.

The Hanbury Arms in Kemp Town, Brighton, is sporting the St George's Cross emblem to advertise its television coverage of Euro 2004.

But one angry voter branded the flag unsuitable to be flown because it is also the symbol of the English Democratic Party. He said it gave them unfair advertising over other parties contesting the European elections.

Andrew Daniell, of Portland Place, Kemp Town, complained to the pub management shortly after voting yesterday afternoon then contacted The Argus to raise his concerns.

The 36-year-old literature student said: "It's unfortunate but the St George's Cross is a political flag and symbolises to some people a range of views which should not be promoted at a polling booth at election time.

"Had it been the EU flag flying then people like the UK Independence Party would go crazy.

"We are all influenced by our visual environment and flying this flag seems to be very thoughtless."

Rob Hall, landlord of the Hanbury Arms, dismissed any suggestion the England flag was being displayed as a political symbol.

He said: "I bought them to advertise our coverage of the England versus France game on Sunday.

"They all have the words 'Bombardier Ale' on them so I think it's a bit daft to say they could be political."

But he was prepared to do something about it and when a photographer from The Argus turned up the flags had been wrapped round their poles, unfluttering.

Mr Hall had no idea the flag was used by the English Democratic Party.

He said: "I've heard of them but I know absolutely nothing about them."