From This is Sussex

THE cliffs of Beachy Head, the peaks of Brighton's distinctive pavilion and the historic heathland of Ashdown Forest – some of the landmarks that spring to mind at the mention of Sussex. And thanks to a Heathfield teenager, the county now has an emblem that will unite east and west and put them both on the map.

Brady Ells has designed and helped create the first official county flag of Sussex, which had its public debut at the weekend when it was hoisted into the sky above Lewes Castle.

The unveiling of the standard marks the culmination of a childhood dream for the 18-year-old history student from Wren Close, who for years thought Sussex should join its flag-waving neighbours in Kent.

He started his mission in June 2010 and this May – with help from the Association of British Counties (ABC) – his design of six yellow martlets on a blue background was officially adopted as the county's flag.

"There's no proper symbol to show your loyalty to Sussex whereas other places have got their own flags," he said.

"You always see Cornish flags flying and when we went to Devon they have got them all down the roads. I thought it would be a really good idea for Sussex."

As part of his project to get the flag adopted Brady, a sixth form student at Heathfield Community College, set up a website delving into the county's history, which has long been linked to the mythical heraldic martlet birds, and which inspired his design.

He then submitted his handmade prototype to the British Flag Institute which, after some minor design tweaks, was added to a register making it the official flag of Sussex.

Brady, who is also studying maths and graphics, said: "I'm quite proud of being from Sussex and I'm really interested in the history of the county as well.

"I'm really pleased, it's something I'd always wanted Sussex to have."

Graham Bartram from the Flag Institute registered Brady's design on May 20 and said he was pleased Sussex finally has a flag.

The former Uckfield resident said: "I think it's a lovely flag, it's very traditional but it doesn't look stodgy or out of date.

"It gives people something to identify with, to say 'this is where I come from' and, of course, for waving at cricket matches!"