DARTMOUTH should be flying its colours with pride.

That’s the patriotic view of deputy mayor Cllr Richard Cooke who has designed and had made a town flag.

‘I think Dartmouth ought to make more of having a magnificent flag,’ he said.

‘I drew the design from the town crest and the results were sharpened up by a graphic designer friend, Mike Goodearl, from Kingswear.

‘Luckily he spotted I had left off the lions; tongues and one of the king’s only had three fingers on one hand.

‘I just felt that a town like ours should fly its flag more often. After all, the crest has a wonderful history dating back to Edward III, and the town’s ability to provide more men and ships to attack the French than any other port in England at the time in 1340.’

In the UK, flags have been a time-honoured tradition and Richard admits he is a bit of a flag enthusiast who likes to fly different ones from the balcony of his home in Market Street, recognising current or historical occasions and dates.

He puts up the stars and stripes to mark American Independence Day and the French tricolour is raised for Bastille Day. More recently the 12 gold stars on the blue background of the European flag have been seen fluttering on high, but he says from now on it will be Dartmouth’s own flag that will be proudly flown.

Flags encompass the history and personality of a town and create a sense of local pride, he said.

‘Perhaps the town should have the flag everywhere?’

The vibrant colours and bold design show the town crest on a maroon background.

The flag is similar, though not exactly the same, as the town standard which is kept in the Guildhall home of the town council and paraded at ceremonial occasions.