A former Halesowen man who has designed a unique flag for the town has got his design in print.

Engineer Philip Tibbetts has designed a flag for Halesowen which he hopes will eventually be seen flying proudly in his home town.

The 23-year-old former Earls High pupil, who now works in Preston, has printed a copy of the standard which combines elements of Halesowen's two coats of arms and hopes to speak to Dudley mayor Ray Burston about the idea of flying it on the old council house or St John's Church.

Philip has also designed a Black Country flag featuring a chain to represent heavy industry and has spoken to the heads of Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton Councils who have agreed to raise the idea of having a regional standard at the Black Country Consortium - an organisation that works to spearhead regeneration in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Phil said: "I see this as a huge step forward which will allow me to state the case for the concept to the only Black Country wide political body and all four councils.

"I am happy the councils I have spoken to so far are supportive."