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County emblem named to mark Somerset Day

Kelly WithersSomerset
News imageBBC Gaby is standing next to a red and yellow dragon sculpture. She is wearing a grey top and denim jacket and has blonde hair. She is standing in front of Taunton College. BBC
Gaby Stocker put forward Dunkery in the Name the Somerset Dragon campaign

The dragon emblem of the Somerset flag has been named after the highest point in the county.

BBC Radio Somerset held a Name the Somerset Dragon campaign to celebrate Somerset Day, an annual celebrate to promote the county's culture, heritage and history.

Dunkery, after Dunkery Beacon on Exmoor, was the name chosen, beating Kingston, Skittles and Spitfire in a public vote.

The name was originally put forward by Gaby Stocker from Tatworth who said she suggested it because "it's the highest point in Somerset and I just love the idea and the folklore behind the dragon living at the top".

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Stocker added: "My whole family lived at the bottom of Dunkery and my great-nan's ashes are actually scattered at the top of Dunkery, so it's really personal to me."

The four names were selected by a panel of judges, which included Somerset-born Hollywood actor James Purefoy and Somerset Day organiser Nigel Muers-Raby.

Muers-Raby said he was "delighted" Dunkery was chosen.

News imageWeather Watcher Sparky The view from Dunkery Beacon looking across Exmoor. There is a dry-mud path in the middle of the image. There are fields in the background. There are blue skies and puffy clouds.Weather Watcher Sparky
The dragon is named after Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor and in Somerset

"It's a brilliant choice, I love the alliteration, all the names are great but it's a wonderful result," he said.

"By giving it a name it does bring the flag, our history and our heritage to life and encourages people to love this county," he added.

The name was announced during celebrations at Taunton College, where students created a 7ft (2.1m) sculpture of a dragon which toured the county ahead of Somerset Day, which is designed to celebrate the county's identity and folklore.

Organisers said the Somerset flag is based on ancient symbols associated with the county.

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