A CALL has gone out for people to send in their ideas for a flag for Dorset.

Civic leaders would like to see a county flag fluttering in the breeze - and they need the help of residents.

Renewed interest has been shown in the flag plan after Dorchester man David White came up with his own design.

Initial feedback in the Dorset Echo has been positive with some readers backing Mr White's proposal, which is based on the cross of St Wite, a Saxon saint buried at Whitchurch Canonicorum.

Dorset County Council is interested in seeing more designs.

Council chairman John Peake said the authority had been approached to endorse a range of flag projects over the years and was happy to help move the project forward.

Coun Peake said: "This is clearly something that many Dorset people feel strongly about and I am delighted to see such a strong sense of pride in the county.

"The county council is very supportive of any initiative which encourages this.

"Devon and Cornwall have their own flags so why should Dorset not have one too?"

Although Coun Peake welcomed Mr White's idea he is keen to see a flag with a particular Dorset identity. He stressed that discussions would have to involve Bournemouth and Poole.

He said: "It would be nice to have a flag that sums up Dorset.

"We are a small county but we punch above our weight in this country and throughout the world.

"We live in a very special place and we have so much going for us - the World Heritage Coast, the Olympics, Thomas Hardy, all sorts of wonderful things."

Coun Peake added: "If there is one thing I have learnt over the years is that in every hamlet, village and market town in Dorset there is a strong community spirit. I hope that people are positive towards this idea and let us know their thoughts.

"It's going to take some time but I would hope that we can agree on one design. I'd like to get the schools and colleges involved because there's so much talent out there."

  • Do YOU have ideas for a Flag for Dorset? Send them to Newsdesk, Dorset Echo, Hampshire Road, Weymouth DT4 9XD. We will feature them in the paper - and send them on to the county council.