A PENSIONER who has proudly flown the European Union flag outside of his home for the more than a year says he was appalled someone stole it on election day.

Christopher Hart has waved the yellow-starred flag from his Dovercourt home as symbol of unity, solidarity and harmony among the people of Europe for the past 18 months.

But during the night of the European Election vote on Thursday, May 23, he woke up to find his beloved blue flag had been stolen along with its pole.

The 78-year-old, who lives in Portland Avenue with his wife, said: "It's just so cowardly for someone to steal it."

He believes it was purposely taken on the night of the European election vote.

Christopher said: "The flag has been flying outside my house for the past 18 months.

"I put it up as I'm a a committed remainer and want to stay in the European Union.

"I used to work in Germany and France and I have so many friends out there I feel as European as I do English."

The pensioner said he wants people to learn to respect his views on wanting to remain in the European Union.

He added: "I've had people make jokes about the flag, but nobody has ever taken it before.

"I just feel upset that someone is so intolerant they had to pull my flag down and the pole.

"I won't buy a new flag to put up again as by the time I get a new one up Brexit might be over."