BBC - Devon Community Life - Devon gets its own flag

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 idea of a flag for Devon was first raised here on the BBC Devon website.

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.

The most favoured design topped both the original BBC Devon poll and the follow-up shortlist vote, and was designed by BBC Devon contributor Ryan Sealey.

A machinist making one of the Devon flags.

The design received 49% of the total votes cast in the final count. Bob Burns, a Devonian now living in North Lincolnshire, is one of those who started the original debate.

"I have long thought that Devon should have its own flag, to act as a symbol of pride for the people of Devon," said Bob.

"Devonians are only too aware of the ubiquitous Cornish flag, which can often be seen in the form of car bumper stickers, on vehicles entering Devon from Cornwall.

"Until now, there has been no way that Devonians could similarly express their pride in their own County of Devon."

Bob added: "When Devonians were given the opportunity of selecting a Flag for Devon, they voted in their hundreds and chose a design which all Devonians should be proud of."

The group promoting the new flag has now contacted the Flag Institute, which is one of the world's main research and documentation centres for flags.

It collects and provides all kind of flag information, from past and present, from all over the world.

Flying the flag on the Devon coast.

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 availbale based on the same design.

Another of those closely involved in selecting the flag was Paul Turner, who is from Devon originally but has lived in Australia for 17 years.

"We are in the process of registering the Flag with the Flag Institute and we have also contacted Flags of the World," said Paul.

"We have contacted Devon County Council and whilst they have not formally endorsed the flag, they have said that if anyone asks them about a Devon flag design they will refer to this flag."

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.

The Chief Executive of South West Tourism, Malcolm Bell, said a flag for Devon would re-enforce the strong regional identity.

"You see what it's done for Scotland and Wales, as well as Cornwall," he said.

"It gives the idea that somewhere is special, and it gives the feeling of a sense of place. It says that this is a place that's proud of where it is and is proud of itself."