DURHAM was the only county without its own flag - but not any more. As the result of a competition, it has a striking blue-and-yellow flag, designed by James Moffat with the help of his two daughters, Katie and Holly, and it is now officially registered on the Flag Institute's UK Flag Registry.

It was unveiled for the first time at the north door of Durham Cathedral (below), and blessed by the Dean, the Very Revd Michael Sadgrove, in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of the County, and the chairman of the County Council.

Mr Moffat said how proud he was that the flag entered by his twin daughters had been chosen. "The design is simple, but effective. Blue is Katie's favourite colour, and yellow is Holly's favourite colour. The symbol of St Cuthbert's cross in the centre of the flag represents a badge which Katie and Holly purchased on a school trip . . . to Durham Cathedral in 2002. I still wear the badge with pride."

The flag was unfurled at the top of the centre tower of the cathedral, and flew there for a week before being taken off by Andy Strangeway, who co-ordinated the competition, for a trek along the entire length of the River Tees.