LOCAL people are today (June 5) celebrating Wiltshire Day and flying the green and white flag with the county's bustard symbol in the centre.

The flag was being flown by around 20 independent shops and businesses in Trowbridge town centre.

Organiser Tracy Parker, the present of Trowbridge Chamber and owner of Lakers, said the aim was to promote the county.

"Our aim is to raise the profile of the county and get all the businesses to fly the Wiltshire flag.

"We are trying to get some positive stories about Wiltshire into the media and to promote the county to the rest of the country."

Shops and businesses flying the flag included Cadbury jewellers, Lakers, Upsalls estate agents, Absolutely Fabulous, the Polebarn Hotel, Sports Bug and school uniform suppliers Scholars.

Flag designer Mike Prior, of Ashton Street, Trowbridge, said he first thought of having a county flag in 2007.

"Devon and Cornwall have had a flag for many years and celebrate their own special days, so I decided to have one for Wiltshire.

"I designed the flag in 2007 and we chose 05/06/07 as Wiltshire Day. The flag was adopted by the old Wiltshire County Council and then re-adopted by Wiltshire Council in 2009.

"This is our first attempt at organising an event to celebrate but next year we're hoping it will become bigger and better.

"We'd like to see people across Wiltshire celebrating the day with dancing, fairs and exhibitions and turn it into a proper festival.

"It would be nice to see it supported by local businesses. It will bring people in and will be good for trade."