The short list for the Herefordshire flag competition has been revealed and voting to select the new county flag has opened. The 692 entries - the most ever received for any UK community - have been whittled down to five.

You can vote online until the end of September and the voters’ verdict will be announced - and the winning flag hoisted - at a ceremony in Hereford on November 2nd. It will then be available for purchase and can be flown anywhere.

The flags that have reached the final five emphasise the county’s most distinctive symbols. Four of the five show apples; three have a bull’s head; two include the River Wye.

Two depict the county’s red soil. One has a design based on the county’s black-and-white houses. Another has hops. Yet another has rolling hills and a background that recalls ripening hay.

The Flag Institute, the UK’s registration body, has given provisional approval to all Herefordshire’s proposed designs and is expected to ratify the decision rapidly after the choice is announced.

Unlike any other ballots that may or may not take place this autumn, everyone aged five and upwards is allowed to take part - though under-16s’ votes must be countersigned by a parent, guardian or teacher.

To vote online please go to www.the-shire.co.uk/herefordshireflag The process should be very quick and simple. If you have any problems please email [email protected] or call 07983 495892.