AN eye-catching design by a Stourbridge schoolgirl has been chosen as the official Black Country flag.

The Black Country Living Museum launched a competition earlier this year asking artists to design a flag for the region.

And after 1,500 votes were cast by members of the public - a striking black, red and white design by 11-year-old Gracie Sheppard was chosen as the winning entry.

Gracie’s flag was inspired by Elihu Burrit - the American Consul to Birmingham - who described the region as “black by day and red by night”.

The Redhill School pupil said: “This was because the local furnaces gave out smoke and grime during the day and glowed at night.

“That is why my flag background is both black and red, with the chains showing a typical product manufactured in the area. The white symbol in the middle represents the glass cone, which we have had since 1790 representing our glassmaking heritage.”

The flag is now flying at the Black Country Living Museum in Tipton Road, Dudley, after being confirmed by the UK Flag Institute as the official Black Country flag.

Mel Weatherley, head of learning at the museum, said: “The standard of entries was extremely high, with more than 60 extremely skilful and innovative designs to choose from.

“The sense of pride people feel in the Black Country area together with the region’s wealth of history really came through in the designs. There are a lot of talented people out there.”