PRINCE Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have expressed an interest in a Trowbridge businessman's attempts to launch a Wiltshire flag.

Mike Prior, 61, of Ashton Street, wrote to seven of whom he considered the most prominent people in Wiltshire about his design for a county flag, featuring the previously extinct Great Bustard.

As the Duchess of Cornwall is a resident of Wiltshire, with a country home in Reybridge, near Lacock, Mr Prior wrote to her and the Prince.

The Prince, while not giving the flag his seal of approval, wrote back saying he was interested to hear about the project and asked to be kept informed of its progress.

Mr Prior, managing director of Bath Midway Litho Ltd in Duke Street, received confirmation on Monday that planning permission for him to fly the flag in his garden had been granted.

But West Wiltshire District Council stressed the consent did not mean it backed or endorsed it becoming the official county design.

Mr Prior said receiving a letter from the Prince and Duchess had been a welcome boost. "Prince Charles said he was impressed with the work and the Duchess also sent her best wishes," he said.

"The Prince said he was looking forward to seeing how my idea progressed and wanted to be kept informed.

"He did actually say he couldn't become involved as it could stir up passions on all sides.

"I thought it was very nice for them to take the time to respond."

Lord Bath also wrote to the businessman to express his support, saying: "I wish you every success in the launch/unfurling of a Wiltshire flag designed along the lines you suggest.

"The green and white undulations as well as the Great Bustard emblem strike me as being most appropriate."

Wiltshire County Council chief executive Keith Robinson expressed his interest in a letter sent by one of his assistants.

It said: "Whilst the matter has not been raised with any members of the council, I have no doubt that any initiative which reinforces a sense of community identity in the county would be supported."

The flag to be flown in Mr Prior's garden was designed by his daughter Helen Pocock, a graphic designer, and will be unveiled at a launch party next month, with the Prince and Duchess among those being invited.

Produced by a flag design company in Wales, the finished article arrived on Monday.

Mr Prior, who has printed 2,000 flyers outlining his idea, is hoping the public will back the design.

The Great Bustard, which is the focal point of the flag, was reintroduced onto Salisbury Plain in 2004 after becoming extinct in the UK. Birds were brought over from Saratov, Russia.