The Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset hoisted the new Somerset County flag after being presented with it by the Chairman of Somerset County Council.
Councillor David Fothergill presented the flag to the ship’s captain Commander Mike Smith on board during a weekend visit by council representatives from across the ancient county.
The guests were given a tour of the ship and chance to meet some of the 185 men and women on board.
The guests were taken on board the ship for the ceremony by its Merlin helicopter (made in the Somerset town of Yeovil) before returning to its base-port of HM Naval Base, Devonport, Plymouth, the following day.
The design of a red dragon on a yellow background was selected last week by public vote as their favourite for the county flag.
Cllr Fothergill said:
“It was my absolute privilege to present the winning design for the new county flag to Commander Mike Smith aboard HMS Somerset.
“The crew can spend months at sea away from home and I was delighted to present them with a reminder that the county of Somerset is wholeheartedly supporting and thinking of them.”
Commander Smith, a resident of Somerset for 12 years, said:
“This was a great opportunity to reinforce HMS Somerset’s links to our home county. The crew and I have enjoyed showing off what the West Country’s favourite warship can do at sea.
“Being presented with the new Somerset County Flag and flying it from our yardarm demonstrates how important the county is to us and the desire to strengthen those ties yet further.”
Somerset County Council is running a poll on its website www.somerset.gov.uk to gauge public opinion about the new flag design.
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Press Release, July 17, 2013; Image: Royal Navy