BOLTON workmen flew the British, English and American flags on their vehicle in support of the war against Iraq -- and drove into trouble in a Muslim area of Preston.

Daniel Walmersley and Matt Baines bought the flags from a sports shop for £3 and put them up on poles behind the drivers cab of their seven-tonne lorry.

The pair, who work for Bolton Scaffolding, then drove to Preston to work on a block of flats.

But they were told to remove the flags by the company who awarded them the scaffolding contract because Muslim people in the area believed them to be inflammatory.

Mr Walmersley, aged 24, and the lorry's driver, Matt Baines, aged 33, took down the Union Flag, the Stars and Stripes and the flag of St George -- each measuring 5ft by 3ft.

But they say they should be free to express their opinions. Mr Walmersley said: "They were causing no harm but we were told there was a strong Muslim community in the area.

"We're a bit upset that we were told to take them down because we believe in freedom of speech and expression.

"Many motorists waved at us and beeped their horns in support as we drove past. There has to be two sides to all arguments."