THE search for a new flag for Huntingdonshire is getting more colourful, thanks to the design skills of some local experts. Designers at House of Flags Fabric Display Solutions have created three new designs to test public opinion. The Kimbolton-based com

THE search for a new flag for Huntingdonshire is getting more colourful, thanks to the design skills of some local experts.

Designers at House of Flags Fabric Display Solutions have created three new designs to test public opinion.

The Kimbolton-based company contacted The Hunts Post after reading about the Huntingdonshire Society's plans to give the historic county a new flag to fly.

A change in planning laws means it is now permitted to fly an English county flag. To qualify as an official county flag, the design must be accepted by the public and registered with the Flag Institute.

The Huntingdonshire Society, which was founded in 1998 to promote the county, adapted its design from part of the coat of arms of the old county council, which was abolished in 1974.

However, The Hunts Post felt the people of Huntingdonshire should have a say in the look of the flag and asked readers to send in their designs.

HoF spokesman Lisa Archer said: "The design of national flags is intrinsically linked to the history of each nation and the strict rules of heraldry are still used when designing an emblem and creating flags today.

"When considering the design of any flag it must be bold and eye-catching, yet simple enough to be produced, either by hand sewing or printing.

"A traditional heraldic flag, as that required for the Huntingdonshire flag, should include elements of the coat of arms - for example the crest - and reflect other symbols of local significance, such as rivers, bridges, etc.

"The design submitted by the Huntingdonshire Society fits the criteria perfectly with the three alternative designs by HoF Display Solutions also including the desired elements."

* Send your views about these four designs to The Hunts Post, 30 High Street, Huntingdon PE29 3TB or e-mail editor@huntspost.co.uk

INFORMATION: HoF, which is the UK's leading supplier of fabric display solutions, has agreed to print the winning flag design free of charge. Contact HoF on 01480 861678.