A NEW chapter for Exmoor starts next week with the launch of a competition to create its official flag.

Exmoor would be the first national park to have its own flag, and the winning design will be chosen by public vote and registered with the Flag Institute.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Exmoor National Park, and a spokesman for the competition said: “The timing is perfect for all those who live, work, visit and love Exmoor to express their pride in all they think is great about this beautiful corner of the country.

“Inspiration for the flag design can be drawn from Exmoor’s landscape, its moors, ancient woods, valleys, farmland, coast or indigenous wildlife.

The Exmoor Flag Competition is free to enter and open to all.

Entry forms, along with hints and design guides, will be available on The Exmoor Flag website – www.exmoorflag.co.uk – and at Exmoor National Park Centres and tourist information centres across North Devon and West Somerset.

The first round of judging will be conducted by a panel of Exmoor residents, the Flag Institute and the Exmoor Flag Project team.

Four designs will be shortlisted for a public vote before the winners are announced in October.

The winner will receive a prize unique to Exmoor and the first copy of the flag, which will be registered as the official flag for Exmoor.