Villager flies the flag for Paris victims

Les White, from Southwater, spent the weekend pinning up mini French flags along a major road in the village to honour those who have been affected by the terrorist attacks which took place in the French capital on Friday (November 13).

Gunmen and suicide bombers targeted a concert hall, a major stadium, restaurants and bars, killing at least 129 people and leaving hundreds wounded. More than 100 people are in a critical condition.

Mr White has placed the flags on trees, signs and lamppost along Worthing Road, with more than 20 flags waving proudly as you drive through the village.

He explained he bought the last box of French flags from the Non-Stop Party shop, in Horsham, and started hanging them up over the weekend.

He said: “I did it because the French are hurting. I wanted to show that England is with them. I don’t want it to be just about Southwater.

“I was coming down on Sunday and I was hanging them up and a woman walked past and she must of thought what is he up to. She stopped and saw the flag and put her thumbs up.”

The string of flags stretch from the entrance to Southwater, at the Hop Oast roundabout, to the Cock Inn pub.

Mr White said he placed one flag on an oak tree at the entrance to the village as a message to those who had been affected.

He said: “It is an English Oak besides an English field showing English sympathy.”

Many have been commenting on social media about Les’ tribute.

On Twitter Ella said: “Whoever put French flags on every lamppost down Worthing Road in Southwater, you’re amazing.

Sharon Walker agreed: “Nice touch - French flags up through our village Southwater #Prayers4Paris #ParisAttack.”