The world record for the world’s tallest flagpole has been broken, and a man from Burnley has played a vital part in achieving the record.

Marketing and sales director of monumental flagpole company Trident Support, Warren Felters has been to Dunshabe, the capital of Tajikistan, a Central Asian country where the flagpole that broke the world record was erected.

Warren, who runs Trident Support with colleague David Chambers, is no stranger to being involved with creating some of the world’s tallest flagpoles. This latest installation at Dunshabe is 165 metres high, which beats the 162 metres of their previous world record holder in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku.

Former Barden High School pupil Warren said that as flagpoles were held in such high esteem and symbols of national independence in Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries, the tallest flagpoles were generating a huge amount of interest.

“These massive flagpoles are very popular,” Warren said. “I think they see them as patriotic symbols. Each country is always trying to get one over on the other about who has the highest flagpole.”

Although his company does specialise in very tall flagpoles, Warren pointed out that record breaking installations only make up a part of his business. The company are currently working on a 70 metre flagpole in readiness for Abu Dhabi’s national day celebrations in December.

Following Leicestershire Police Authority (LPA) saying that due to the cost, they would not fund replacing a rotten flagpole at Harborough Police Station, and after several groups voicing their disapproval, Leicestershire Police are contemplating buying mobile flagpoles for their police stations to display flags.

Not having a flagpole in such a prominent position has angered several groups, none more so than armed forces and veterans groups, who are infuriated that there will not be a Union Jack flying in a prominent position at a homecoming march for the Royal Anglian Regiment.

Following a meeting of LPA, Chief Executive, Paul Stock said:

“The force is considering the whole issue of permanent police flagpoles and their location throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The force is, however, purchasing a mobile flagpole which can be located at various police sites across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”

Plans have been submitted for a phone mast disguised as a flagpole to be installed on a church whose history can be traced back to the era of the Domesday Book.

Plans have been submitted to Richmond Borough Council by Vodafone, for St Mary’s Church in Barnes, South West London, to have the work done.

Joyce Morgan, a local social biologist is sceptical of Vodafone’s claims that there is no risk to health from the equipment to be used. Vodafone say that the equipment follows strict international guidelines.

“I did a study of radiation [before] and as far as I know nothing has been proved that this radiation coming from these things are not harmless to human beings,” Mrs Morgan claimed. “Until they prove they are harmless I think they shouldn’t be erected.”

If the work does go ahead, the Grade II listed church will still be able to use the flagpole for flags, with the flagpole looking only slightly larger than normal.

A spokesman from Vodafone explained:

“All of our base stations are designed, built and operated in accordance with stringent international guidelines laid down by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. The adoption of these guidelines has the formal backing of independent bodies such as the World Health Organisation.”

Model Olivia Inge poses with WO2 Warren Brown and Staff Cpl Julian Hoggarth of the Household Cavalry at last night’s Fashion for the Brave charity gala.

Inge’s dress was designed especially for the occasion by Vivienne Westwood. The Flags used to make the dress were supplied by Britain’s oldest flagmakers, Turtle & Pearce Ltd.

The event aimed to raise £1 million for wounded servicemen and their families and opened with a message of support from the Princess Royal.

The catwalk finale, styled by The Daily Telegraph ‘s Hilary Alexander, featured a ceremonial display by the regiment.

More than 50 of the country’s leading designers and brands took part in the show at London’s Dorchester Hotel with proceeds going to Help for Heroes, The Soldiers’ Charity and the Household Cavalry Operational Casualties Fund.

For more information on the Fashion for the Brave event, visit the Telegraph’s coverage here: http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG8089563/Fashion-for-the-Brave-style-on-parade.html