YOUNGSTERS in Watchet have done more than fly the flags to mark summer celebrations in the town - they have actually designed their own.

Flag maker Andy Hawthorne - known countrywide for his stunning displays - led a workshop last October at Knights Templar First School.

And the result is that 20 flags produced from the children's designs will be fluttering in Swain Street over the carnival weekend, which starts next Saturday (July 30), and again over the three-day music festival, which gets underway on August 26.

Andy spent a day with the Knights Templar pupils, teaching them techniques on designing and the production of flags.

The resulting masterpieces portray images of both the town itself and the music festival, from the lighthouse to St Decuman's Church and musical notes and performers.

The workshop was funded by Watchet Live, organisers of the carnival and festival.

A spokesman said the group wanted to thank all the children involved for taking the task of designing the flags to heart.

"Andy has said that he was very, very impressed with their enthusiasm and that their designing skills were first class," said the spokesman.

"We are sure that everyone will agree when they see these beautiful flags decorating Watchet."

Photo: Steve Guscott