A group of partying Bolton Brexiteers attempted to set an EU flag alight - but failed due to European fireproofing regulations.

The group tried to light the flag as the country left the union, but their attempts were thwarted as the flames quickly flickered out and the material simply melted.

Onlookers reckon revellers forgot - or didn't know about - European fire safety regulations, which require flags to be fire-retardant.

The painstaking efforts continued until the group eventually gave up.

They tore it up instead.

The group were among around 100 Brexiteers gathered in Bolton town centre last night to watch the bells bong in celebration of Brexit.

(Image: SWNS ROCKS X Phil Taylor)

A bystander, who asked not to be named, said he saw the men hold up the flag and attempt to ignite it with a lighter while singing God Save The Queen, but gave up after a few attempts.

“There were a few people here and there but it was more or less deserted," he said.

(Image: SWNS ROCKS X Phil Taylor)

“I saw a group of people holding up a flag and they tried to light it repeatedly with a lighter but failed.

“They were singing God Saves The Queen - but a few of them were struggling to remember the words.

“After it failed to light up, they gave up and continued celebrating.”

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