THEY proudly display what areas represent, help reinforce identity and celebrate a region's history.
Yet, despite this, the East Riding has never had its own flag.
In fact, none of the Ridings of Yorkshire have, but that is all about to change.
Campaigner Andy Strangeway, of Pocklington, launched a competition for the East Riding flag in January and has now narrowed it down to six designs.
Design A
Philip Hampel, whose wife Barbara also has an entry in the final.
Philip said: "We thought it would be fun and a little healthy design rivalry.
"We have an interest in history and think local flags are a fine way to celebrate heritage and promote trade and tourism.
"My design is a tricolour. The green square on the left represents the rural character of the East Riding and has at its centre the traditionally inverted white rose of the East Riding.
"The vertical yellow and blue bands on the left symbolize the beaches of the East Riding coast and the North Sea, respectively.
"We are both very pleased to have made the final six, and if one of us wins it would be exciting and a great honour."
Design B
Father and son team Dave Ells, 60 and Brady, 20.
Dave said: "We have a great interest in both the traditional counties of the UK and in flags.
"The Ridings are an important part of Yorkshire's heritage and we wanted to play a part in the county's history.
"Modern administrative areas are in danger of erasing the cultural heritage of the traditional counties, which people have had a strong allegiance to for literally thousands of years.
"Our design is a working of the main elements of the coat of arms of the defunct East Riding County Council.
"The blue eagle on gold was used by the old East Riding County Council before 1945 as their insignia.
"We would be delighted to see our flag chosen by the people of the East Riding."
Design C
Flag designed by Ann Lloyd. She said: "I am East Riding, born and bred, and very proud to be.
"I couldn't think of anything I would be more proud of than to be able to say 'I designed our East Riding flag'.
"I divided the flag into three to represent the Ridings of Yorkshire.
"I used the double Yorkshire Rose traditionally, with the green sepal at the top for the East Riding.
"The blue represents the North Sea and was positioned on the right to match the angle of our coastline as it meets the yellow for the beaches and corn fields while the green is for the agricultural and grass land.
"I would feel extremely proud if I won. It would be a brilliant legacy for my two girls, one who shares Yorkshire Day for her birthday."
Design D
Another father and son team Trevor , 59, and Thomas Appleton, 18.
Trevor said: "I have always been very disappointed how the local unitary authority used the name East Riding while not covering the historical area which includes Filey.
"I have been a member of the Association of British Counties for some time, which also campaigns to raise awareness of the historic counties.
"I am no flag designer but felt it important it should be simple, so a mere split second view would be recognisable.
"The connection to the mother county – the white rose – was essential I felt. The blue represents the sea while the green refers to the rich agricultural heritage.
"The concept was mine while Thomas, who is training in graphics design, put the idea into computer form.
"We'll be utterly ecstatic if we win. "
Design E
Flag designed by Jason Saber, 49. He said: "I have studied flags since I was about two years old.
"I am keen to preserve our cultural heritage and promote our true counties and their traditional divisions which have existed for a thousand years.
"The East Riding flag is a colourful and joyful means to demonstrate local pride and declare your presence.
"The dark blue found on earlier versions of the flag of Yorkshire seemed a traditional colour and provides a fine contrast for the white rose.
"Considering the shape of the Riding extending to the east, the idea of a triangle formed in my mind.
"I was inspired by the arms of the former East Riding Council which had a golden lozenge on its shield.
"Having discovered the East Riding of Yorkshire Society had decided upon the birthday of William Wilberforce as East Riding Day, something relating to this seemed appropriate.
"As a broken chain has long been used to symbolise the breaking of slavery bonds, this was the obvious charge to include on the flag.
"I will be so proud and happy if I win."
Design F
Flag designed by Barbara Hampel. She said: "The design has three triangles on the left-hand side representing the three historic ridings.
"The central green triangle symbolizes the rural character of the East Riding of Yorkshire and has at its centre the traditionally inverted white rose of the East Riding. The blue half-moon to the right represents the North Sea and the curving coastline.
• Vote for your favourite design on Andy Strangeway's website
