PLANS are being drawn up for a day of celebrations to promote County Durham’s cultural heritage.

Andy Strangeway, who launched a competition to design a flag for the county last year, is continuing his mission to promote regional character within the UK by hosting a County Durham Day on Thursday, March 20.

It coincides with the anniversary of St Cuthbert’s passing and will see a host of activities take place in the county and beyond.

These include the creation of a commemorative ale and the flying of County Durham’s flag at Whitehall in London and at Victoria Park, Hartlepool United Football Club’s ground.

The flag, designed by James Moffat, of Chilton, and his 19-year-old twin daughters, Katie and Holly, was unfurled at Durham Cathedral in November, in the presence of dignitaries from across the old county.

Mr Strangeway, who has also established flags for the North, East and West Ridings of Yorkshire, launched the competition after discovering Durham was the only county in the North without its own flag.

“It is all about promoting our cultural heritage and celebrating the regional character of our counties,” said the proud-Yorkshireman.

“County Durham Day will build upon what we achieved with the flag and will be a chance to reflect on what makes the county special.”

The plans are still a work in process but regular updates will be provided on Mr Strangeway’s blog andystrangeway.wordpress.com/2014/02/08/celebrate-county-durham-day/