A FLAG-MAKER from Somerset says the launch of the county’s new yellow and red design earlier this year is the most successful he has ever been involved with.

Robin Ashburner, of Specialist Flag Services, has so far produced about 400 flags for individuals and businesses to fly across the county.

Mr Ashburner said: “It has been successful – this is down to most of the flags being made and distributed locally. We hope more people in Somerset will get a flag. We have to keep pushing it and you cannot sit on your laurels.

“The car stickers are very important too because lots of people see them. We hope that by next spring and summer when people start to put their flags out again the numbers will still be motoring up with lots on show.”

The flag was designed by County Gazette reader Ed Woods, 36, from Curry Rivel, whose entry was shortlisted by a panel of judges including Somerset-based entrepreneur and now Strictly Come Dancing star Deborah Meaden.

Readers then voted Ed’s design, which is based on ancient symbols associated with the county, as their favourite.

Alex Cameron, editor of the County Gazette, said: “We are delighted with the early success of the new Somerset county flag.

“We have been overwhelmed with positive comments on the design and we are already seeing our bumper stickers – back by popular demand this week – appearing on more and more cars.

Among the venues where flags are currently flying are Hatchers department store in Taunton High Street, Creech Castle and the County Gazette offices.

A flag was also taken by Somerset County Council chairman David Fothergill to be presented to the captain of HMS Somerset.