Flag celebrates Devon's heritage

Devon has a brand new flag which it's hoped will become a symbol of pride in the county.

The public chose the distinctive green and white design following a heated debate on the BBC Devon website. BBC Devon Website

There's nothing like a flag to act as a symbol of pride and identity to promote a particular country or region. Cornwall has one and so does Yorkshire and Kent, but until now Devon has made do without a flag. But many Devonians have long felt that Devon was in need of an easily recognised icon to help promote Devon products and tourism.

The debate culminated in a web-based poll, which led to the shortlist of around a dozen designs submitted by Devonians both at home and abroad. Many of the designs used the traditional Devon colours of black, green and white. The result of the first vote was so close that a second poll was carried out to remove any doubt.

Commercial flag makers are offering the Devon flag at prices ranging from £7 for a small flag to £95 for a full size version. Car stickers and other merchandise is also available based on the same design.

The Flag is currently being registered with the Flag Institute. The Devon Flag Group has suggested a list of days where people all over the world are being encouraged to fly the Devon Flag.

The idea is to focus on specific days which are special to Devon, and on which the flying of the Devon Flag is most appropriate.

A number of those days are linked to special events such as the Devon County Show and others celebrate some famous maritime events.

In addition several are based on those days associated with the ancient saints of Devon or those who have a special association with the county.

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