The National Trust has ordered the removal of a Union Jack flown on a historic monument in Sunderland.

The large flag was flying at the top of the Penshaw Monument, but the National Trust, which owns the Grade 1-listed building, took it down.

A spokesman for the charity said: "We will assess whether any damage has been caused to the monument, which is an important part of our shared local and national heritage."

The National Trust insisted that "anything attached to historic buildings without permission" would be removed.

Videos on social media show the flag has now been taken down from its place.

Locals reacting to the removal described it as "shocking" and "an absolute disgrace".

One resident said: "I'm upset about it. That flag stands for everything this country once had. The values, democracy, pride. All that has been tarnished by those in charge."

The flag was displayed as part of the "Raise the Colours" movement, which has seen thousands of flags hoisted across the country.

The flag on the Penshaw Monument has been removed

Ryan Bridge from Raise the Colours said: "Every other country in Europe and across the world seems to fly their flags and show their patriotism for their country, and we just feel that we've lost our identity in the UK.

"The flags are because of the pressure and strain that we feel our country's under, due mainly to economic migration and the Government.

"We are showing a realism, it's nothing to do with racism whatsoever."

Commenting on the National Trust's removal of the Union Jack from the Penshaw Monument, Mr Bridge said: "If they have taken it down, it's their prerogative.

"They would be under strict rules that could be classed as political or anything to do with race or migration errors.

"We just want to fly the flag of our beautiful country."

Raise the Colours paid tribute to political figure Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on a university campus in Utah on Wednesday, by holding a "RIP Charlie Kirk" sign.

Mr Bridge stated: "Regarding Charlie Kirk, he was a patriot of his country, we're a patriot of ours and he's got Christian beliefs, we live in a Christian country.

Reform UK MP Lee Anderson described the removal of flags 'a disgrace'

"We just like the way he stood up for his country, so we thought we would pay tribute to him on the day we unveiled the White Cliffs of Dover flags."

Several councils across the country, including Birmingham council, have been removing union flags, claiming the flags put the lives of pedestrians and motorists "at risk."

Tower Hamlets council removed flags, saying it was part of "routine maintenance".

Commenting on the council's removal, Lee Anderson, the Reform UK MP, said: "This is nothing short of a disgrace and shows utter contempt for the British people."