BUSINESSES are painting a colourful picture of support for LGBT communities by hanging rainbow flags from their windows.

A cafe and a therapy centre in Abingdon are among those who have reacted to a controversial decision not to fly the rainbow emblem from the County Hall Museum, by stringing the stretches of fabric in full view of customers.

Caldecott resident James Davis has been giving out the flags for free after Abingdon Town Council rejected a motion last month to raise the rainbow in conjunction with Oxford Pride.

Mr Davis said: " I decided it would be a good idea to take positive action to show how welcoming and inclusive Abingdon really is as a community.

"LGBT people represent a significant part of our community and economy. Businesses benefit from a town like Abingdon that is welcoming and inclusive to all. I was disappointed by the council's decision, which I felt was not representative of the majority of residents."

Local businesses display a flag for one week in return for recognition on Facebook.

Mr Davis said he wanted to reverse the "bad publicity" Abingdon has suffered in the aftermath of Conservative councillors' decision, and urged them to reconsider.

Remade Guitars has displayed a flag this week, with R&R Cafe in Market Place due to take over today.