THE countdown to the first ever national campaign to celebrate England has begun.

People who call England home are being encouraged to celebrate St George's Day (Monday April 23) by raising a glass (or a mug) to toast England and its patron saint.

Already, thousands of pubs and hotels have signed up and hundreds of events in community halls, schools and offices are planned around the country.

A recent poll revealed that 75 per cent of us think a day of national celebration a good idea, with seven out of ten keen for it to be made into a bank holiday.

National Organiser Bruno Peek, said: "Don't be alarmed if at 10.45pm on Monday, April 23 everyone around you stops what they are doing, picks up a drink and cries England and St George!' People can raise a cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drink or beer or spirits. It really doesn't matter. What's important is they join in."

Three charities, AICR (Association for International Cancer Research), RNID representing deaf and hard of hearing people and the WRVS, have been chosen to benefit from the fundraising celebrations.

The national toast, which is expected to become an annual event, will be led from a glittering dinner at the Banqueting House, in London, using a silver gilt Loving Cup, which has already visited all of England's 50 cities bringing together thousands of local people and communities.

The survey results are no surprise to Bruno who believes the celebration is long overdue. "We all lead such busy lives that we often fail to appreciate the place we live. England is home to almost 50 million people. They are of multiple nationalities, come from various backgrounds and practice different beliefs and family traditions. However, they share one important factor in common - England is their home."

Regional and national competitions with big cash prizes are well underway, including the search to find a modern day St George and Rose of England, best-dressed pub and house and a schools' poetry competition that has attracted over 3,000 entries.

Speaking on behalf of the three charities, Dr John Low, RNID's Chief Executive said: "Our involvement in the St George's Day celebrations seemed a natural partnership to make: just as St George was a champion for the vulnerable and disadvantaged, so our charities fight to slay the dragons of injustice, neglect and discrimination that the people we seek to help face everyday. Not only will the celebrations raise vital funds for our work, but the spirit of unity in which they'll be raised will promote equality and inclusion."