A VILLAGE was flying its famous football flag at the weekend during an exhibition celebrating its rich heritage and traditions.

Among the banners rolled out in Tow Law Community Centre was the Wembley Flag produced for the football club's 1998 FA Vase final against Tiverton.

The Back Prince Colliery banner was one of three traditional miners' standards on display, along with tapestries and ensigns from a wide range of groups, including Tow Law's two churches, Sunday schools, the Freemasons, the Women's Institute, girl guides, St John Ambulance and the British Legion.

Tow Law Local History Group provided photographs and displays, and a 2007 calendar decorated with residents' photographs and drawings went on sale for the first time.

Jenny Flynn, secretary of the community association, said the event was an early celebration of Year of the Community 2007.

She said: "Banners have played such an important role in the lives of communities such as Tow Law that we felt it was important to recognise their contribution.

"Some of the organisations they represent aren't operating at the moment, so they are a great reminder of Tow Law's heritage and strong sense of community."