Flying the flag for proud Preston

The UK's national flag charity The Flag Institute is organising the fun contest for a football-starved nation.

Proud Preston just beat Coventry last night, taking the online vote at the very last minute to win by 51 per cent to 49 per cent.

Tomorrow (Friday May 29) from 9am to 9pm, the city will face Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent in the FA Cup of Flags..

Preston City Centre Business Improvement District manager Mark Whittle said: "Whilst there's no football being played, reaching the finals of the FA Cup of Flags is a great boost for Preston.

"Of course we're a bit biased but the city's flag is a worthy winner. We'll be doing all we can to encourage people to vote for Preston to take home the trophy.

"We'd love to see Proud Prestonians voting in their droves when the poll launches on the Flag Institute's Twitter account on Friday."

The Twitter campaign is growing as Preston goes further in the competition.

Preston BID tweeted: "Wonder if we could persuade @prestoncouncil to fly the #Preston flag from the Town Hall as we head to the final?"

Preston's route to the final was against Newbury, Willenhall, Heathfield and Coventry.

Coun David Borrow, Mayor of Preston, said: “It’s fantastic to see Preston reach the final of this competition.

"Although this is not the official flag of the city we’re pleased to support the design which pays tribute to our proud footballing history.

“I’d urge all Prestonians to show their support for the city and help Preston win.”

Next week, following the #FACupOfFlags, the Flag Institute will run its Scottish competition.

After that it hopes to launch the international phase of competition.

You can vote by following @flaginstitute on Twitter