SOMERSET Day organisers are encouraging people to turn our county into a sea of yellow and red flags at this year's annual celebration.

They want people to Fly the Flag for Somerset by putting up the county flag with its bright red dragon on a yellow background.

Alternatively they are calling on residents to put their own painted picture of the flag in the front windows.

Somerset Day takes place every year on May 11, which is thought to be the date of King Alfred the Great's defeat of the Danes at the Battle of Edington in 878.

Somerset Day founder Nigel Muers-Raby said: "What better way to evoke our passion for Somerset as we move out of Covid restrictions than by looking forward with a splash of colour with our county flag?

"We’d love to see Somerset turned into a sea of flags – flying from public buildings, flagpoles in towns and villages, or bunting in your front garden.

"Over the next few weeks and months we’ll be putting ideas and suggestions onto our website as to how people can get involved, including templates for creating your own flag."

Between now and May 11, Somerset Day’s website, www.somersetday.com and its social channels will be continually updated with new information on how everyone can take part in the campaign to Fly the Flag for Somerset.