LET'S celebrate St George - with a holiday!

That was the call today from Kirklees Council leader Robert Light, adding his voice to calls for St George's Day to become a bank holiday.

Clr Light said he would be flying the flag for St George on April 23 and urged the Government to give people the day off work.

Clr Light said: "I think many people believe that St George's Day does not get the attention and recognition that it clearly deserves.

"I support the view that the Government should make St George's Day a Bank Holiday in England - after all St Andrew's Day is a Bank Holiday in Scotland.

"St George is the Patron Saint of England and we should be celebrating that in the same enthusiastic and patriotic way as people do in other countries to mark the history and heritage that goes with these significant historical figures."

The council have planned a series of events to celebrate St George's Day.

They will focus on history, legends and folk traditions.

The celebrations in Kirklees start at Greenhead Park on Saturday with a family day of music and entertainment around the paddling pool area of the Park from 11am to 5pm.

During the afternoon there will be a Yorkshire Sword Dance display at 12.50pm, Polish dancers at 3.30pm, Punch and Judy shows from 11am and various craft stalls.

A wide variety of music will be provided by the Gledholt Male Voice Choir at 2pm, a brass band at 2.30pm, the Bradford Accordion Band at noon and 4.15pm, Indian Drum Show at 4pm and the North Star Steel Band at 1pm.

Discovering Saint George is a celebration event at Tolson Museum on Sunday from 1 to 4pm.

The free family event will include a traditional mummer's play performed by the Bradshaw Mummers, Morris Dancing, English folk music, crafts, activities, a quiz trail and refreshments.

On Monday, events will centre on the Huddersfield and Holmfirth Tourist Information Centres from 11am to 2pm.

The centres will provide games and events for children.