A GRAND Union Flag especially commissioned by the landlord of the Devonshire Inn at Sticklepath has been raised at the pub to mark the anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence.

Landlord John Verner-Jeffreys, a formal Royal Navy engineer, said the flag was seldom seen at all these days and rarely seen anywhere in Britain.

He has spent many years searching for a Grand Union Flag to fly for the occasion ever since an 'all American' Naval colleague presented him with a chip of wood from the deck of the USS Constitution, America's ship of state. The chip of wood can be seen in the pub.

The flag was raised last Sunday in preparation for Independence Day on July 4 and author of 'The Union Flag' Nick Groom from South Zeal, whose publication inspired John to commission the flag, agreed to come along in period costume.

The declaration was signed in 1776 when America declared independence from Great Britain.

The flag was only used for a matter of months before the union flag portion was replaced with the stars, initially 13, that we all know today.