TO mark the end of the Black Country Festival, the region’s iconic Black Country flag will proudly hit foreign shores as one of the organisers Ian Marrey takes on a half marathon in Dublin.

The former Dudley councillor is set to run the Rock and Roll Half Marathon on August 2, dressed as ‘Black Country Mon’.

Dressed in a distinctive red cape and super hero costume, he will be raising money for WeLoveCarers in Brierley Hill and Stourbridge’s Mary Stevens Hospice, while flying the flag for the area abroad.

Mr Marrey, who has helped to organise hundreds of activities across the Black Country as part of a month-long celebration of the region’s pride and heritage, said: “It is a great opportunity to raise money for some very worthwhile causes while at the same time fly the flag for the Black Country overseas.

“We have already seen the flag make appearances abroad in the World Cup as well as closer to home at Glastonbury, and I am delighted to be able to keep that tradition going.”

The Mayor of Dudley, has also backed Ian and urged him to celebrate the pride of the people of the Black Country overseas.

Councillor Steve Waltho, Mayor of Dudley, said: “The Black Country Festival has shown how all the different communities can come together and celebrate the pride and community spirit we have here. I am delighted Ian is taking the flag overseas to show that community pride, and I wish him all the luck in his bid to raise money for charity.”

To sponsor Mr Marrey, click here.