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A long-recognised industrial heartland based upon the coal seams of Staffordshire and Worcestershire, the Black Country had its flag created and registered last year following a competition organised in conjunction with the iconic .

The 鈥楤lack Country Day鈥� agreed by the museum and the is 14 July, which is the anniversary of the invention of the world鈥檚 first steam engine which was erected in the area. Flying the flag at Eland House, the head quarters of the Department for Communities and Local Government, not only celebrates the Black Country but also Britain鈥檚 role in leading the industrial revolution.

In April, the government formally acknowledged the continuing role of England鈥檚 traditional counties in English public life. Previously, many parts of Whitehall and municipal officialdom have shunned these counties, many of which date back over a thousand years of English history. This move complements this government鈥檚 abolition of unelected regional government in England, based on European Union鈥檚 鈥�NUTS1鈥� (Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics) administrative boundaries. By contrast, the celebration of the Black Country reflects how the government is championing the long-standing, traditional localities of England.

The government has amended the law to make it easier to fly flags without a permit from the council - these new freedoms include flying the Black Country flag.

Eric Pickles said:

We are stronger as a society when we celebrate the ties that bind us together. I want to send a strong signal - we should fly our flags with pride. Whatever one鈥檚 class, colour or creed, let鈥檚 have pride in Britain鈥檚 local and national identities.

Today it is right to celebrate the Black Country, one of England鈥檚 industrial giants. The 鈥楤lack Country is defined by geology; it respects no human or administrative boundaries and its origins run deep. When Britain was the workshop of the world, the Black Country was the workshop of Britain. The history and identity of the Black Country is one to be proud of and cherished, and undoubtedly worthy of preservation for future generations.

Andrew Lovett, Director and Chief Executive at the Black Country Living Museum said:

We are delighted at this opportunity for the flag to wave the banner for the region鈥檚 unique identity, and its rich and diverse heritage.

Further information

The Black Country flag is being flown alongside the United Kingdom鈥檚 Union flag, outside the Department for Communities and Local Government in Victoria, London. It was loaned free of charge by the .

The world鈥檚 first steam engine was the Newcomen Engine, a working replica of which exists at the Black Country Living Museum not far from where the original was erected. 14 July is the anniversary of the Newcomen engine, and last year鈥檚 official unveiling of the flag.

The designer of the flag was eleven year old Gracie Sheppard of Redhill School in Stourbridge. Her inspiration came from Elihu Burrit, the American Consul to Birmingham when he described the region as 鈥渂lack by day and red by night鈥�.

The flag features a chain to represent the manufacturing heritage of the area whilst the upright triangular shape in the background recalls the iconic glass cones and iron furnaces that featured in the architectural landscape of the area. The red and black colours recall the famous description of the Black Country by Elihu Burrit that it was 鈥渂lack by day and red by night鈥� owing to the smoke and fires of industry.

In DCLG鈥檚 liberalised flag flying laws the Black Country flag was one of the few to be mentioned by name.

The government has amended the law to make it easier to fly local and traditional flags without a permit from the council. See Flying flags: a plain English guide.

Further information about the Black Country can be found by visiting the or the .