PEWSEY’S village flag can finally fly high after being given the thumbs up by the Flag Institute.

The flag has been 18 months in the making and has now been certified by the UK’s national flag charity’s chief vexillologist Graham Bartram.

The idea was first raised by parish councillor Howard Reed who organised a competition for residents of Pewsey to come up with a design.

The winning design was by Year 11 Pewsey Vale pupil Eleanor Taylor and depicts dark green hills, the iconic White Horse and a crown to represent King Alfred.

The 16-year-old, of Broomcroft Road, designed the flag when she was in Year 9 as part of a school competition. Her winning entry was then submitted to the whole village competition and was displayed in Faux Arts with all the other entries where visitors were able to vote for their favourite.

She said: “I think it looks really good. It’s a bit of a shock to win but it’s nice to have some sort of legacy.

“I didn’t really think I would win because I’m not the best artist, but it’s nice that I was chosen. I’ve lived in Pewsey for 14 years so I know the area quite well. I just drew the iconic monuments we have.”

The plan now is to get the flag in as many places around the village as possible including shop windows and on top of the Bouverie Hall.

Coun Reed said: “Funnily enough we had a meeting with all the people who had been involved in the flag to choose our favourite and we ended up picking the same one that had been chosen by residents so it was obviously a great design.

“I didn’t realise it would be so much hard work but I’m so pleased with the outcome. Sometimes I look at the flag to spur me on.

“For somebody so young to come up with such a delightful design is amazing. It’s been put on the parish council’s Facebook page and there’s been a lovely response.”