Competition to design county flag

A competition to design a flag for Gloucestershire to celebrate the county's millennium year has been launched.

The new High Sheriff, Jonathan Carr, is offering £250 to the winner.

Historians at an inquiry in Shire Hall last year concluded the county was established in 1007.

Mr Carr said the competition was a good idea in the millennium year, especially as other counties in the region already have their own flags.

A calendar of events promoting the county's culture and heritage has been organised for the millennium year, and residents are being invited to organise their own.

Entries close on 1 March 2008.