BORIS Johnson has backed the right of Redbridge cabbies to fly the flag for England during the World Cup.

Concerns were raised that London taxi drivers would be banned from showing their support for the national team during the tournament after local councils in other parts of the UK told drivers to remove flags from their cars following St George's Day.

But Transport for London (TfL) which licences black taxis and mini-cabs in the capital, said it had no plans to stop patriotic cabbies flying their country's banner - a move which has been supported by the Mayor of London.

He said: "Many Londoners will want to show their support for the England team during the World Cup, and it is only right that taxi drivers in Redbridge and all London boroughs can share in the fun and excitement.

"With the city and the country behind them let's hope our boys are victorious, and that their victory helps bring the World Cup here in 2018."

The announcement will be particularly welcomed in Redbridge - which has been nicknamed 'Green Badge Valley' because of its large population of taxi drivers.

Patriotic Redbridge cabbie Colin Salmon, 45, of Brunswick Gardens, Clayhall, said he would show his support for England no matter what.

He said: "No-one should be able to say whether or not it's ok to fly the England flag - we should be able to fly it whenever we like.

"Most cab drivers fly the flag if they want to anyway.

"I always show my support for the England team and I'll be doing that again this time."

The father-of-two said he would be trying to catch as much of the tournament as he could on TV and on the radio when he is working.

He said: "I'm looking forward to it.

"Their are cafes where cabbies go to eat which will be showing it."

Taxi-driver Jon Horsley, 40, of Bysouth Close, Clayhall said: "People should be able to fly the England flag if they want to.

"Back in the 1970s people may have seen that as being racist or something, but those days are long gone.

"You should be able to support your team."

A spokesman for TfL said: "As part of London's build up to the World Cup we are happy for drivers to get behind their team and fly their flag of choice.

"There are no regulations or guidance against drivers flying a standard car flag on their vehicle.

"However, there have been cases where stickers and other articles have obscured drivers vision and we would urge drivers to employ some common sense."