JUDGES choosing the design for an Exmoor flag have whittled the 261 entries down to a shortlist of five. On preliminary judging day last Wednesday, Dulverton - where the panel met - was a sea of flags raised by shops, businesses and homes. And from Monday until September 8 they and other members of the public will get their chance to choose the winner. Meeting in the Town Hall, the eight judges were tasked with shortlisting just four finalists to go through to the public vote - but the competition was so close that five were chosen. The decision is subject to the Flag Institute's approval. The finalists' designs are now being adapted to conform to its criteria but the essence of the original concept will be retained. Under the tutelage of Philip Tibbetts, the Flag Institute's community vexillologist, the judges spent the afternoon studying the designs that covered the floor of Dulverton Town Hall. Discussion followed and those chosen to go through were based on their concept as a flag irrespective of artistic ability. The panel was divided and the decision so close that it came down to a final show of hands as to the last design to join the prestigious shortlist. Mr Tibbetts said: "The range and quality of entries was very impressive and clearly reflects the beauty of Exmoor itself and the passion of its people. "This beauty and passion manifested in many different ways from the 200-plus entries to the incredible flag flying display put on by the businesses of Dulverton in honour of the judging. "It is these characteristics of Exmoor that have ensured a fantastic set of finalists and will further guarantee a beautiful winning flag for the area." Public votes can be made online via the Exmoor Flag website or by post using a form which will published in next week's Free Press. An unveiling ceremony is planned for October. The judges were, Exmoor wildlife television personality Johnny Kingdom, editor of The Exmoor magazine, Naomi Cudmore, Exmoor National Park Authority's sustainable economy manager Dan James, Exmoor Society executive committee member Toni Jones, flag and heraldry expert and Exmoor resident Robin Ashburner and Exmoor Flag project team members Ceri Keene and Julie Christian.