JUDGES will soon make a decision on preferred designs for a Dorset flag.

But creative residents who have yet to take part still have a week to come up with an idea.

Dorset County Council teamed up with the Dorset Echo to launch the flag campaign.

Support for the idea resurfaced earlier this year after Dorchester man David White came up with his own design inspired by an ancient Dorset saint.

The St Wite's Cross has proved to be very popular and it led to Mr White setting up a website to promote it.

Council chiefs are supportive of an emblem to unify the county and asked for more suggestions.

The Echo invited readers to send in their designs and they were forwarded to the county council. The closing date for entries is Friday, June 27 so anyone who wants to take part should get drawing.

A panel chaired by expert Graham Bartram, chief vexillologist at the Flag Institute, will examine all entries using a list of agreed criteria and draw up a shortlist of four. People will then have a chance to vote for their favourite.

Mr Bartram, who has advised several counties on choosing a flag design, said: "Simplicity is the key. A good flag should be simple enough that a child could draw it. It should not include too many colours and should have a historical significance for the county it represents."

Mr Bartram has helped draw up the criteria on which judging will be based.

He will be joined on the judging panel by Dorset's Lord Lieutenant Mrs Valerie Pitt-Rivers, High Sheriff John Raymond, Dorset's two Members of Youth Parliament Anna Barker and Omar Sharif and Dorset Echo editor David Murdock. Chairman of Dorset County Council John Peake said: "I am delighted to see so much interest in this competition.

"It shows that there is a great deal of pride in the county."

Last minute entries should be sent c/o Coun John Peake, Dorset County Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester DT1 1XJ or email: j.c.peake@dorsetcc.gov.uk Conditions of the competition are available on the website: www.dorsetfor you.com