UNION flags will fly as normal outside Cheshire West and Chester Council buildings throughout February – including on the birthday of Prince Andrew.

Some councils across the UK had previously said they would refuse the traditional request to raise the flag to mark the 60th birthday of the Queen's second son.

But the government has now clarified that no council will be asked to do so, as Prince Andrew is no longer a working royal.

A council spokesman said: "We fly the Union Flag routinely from council buildings and will do so as normal on February 19."

Northwich Guardian:

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, withdrew from public life and royal duties following an interview defending his friendship with the late Jeffrey Epstein.

Earlier this week, he deferred a promotion to Admiral in the Royal Navy.

Labour MP Wes Streeting had said that to fly the flags in his honour would be 'wholly inappropriate'.

The prince strenuously denied claims he had sex with 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre.