THE red dragon flag of Wales is set to join the Union Flag flying above Shire Hall in Monmouth.

Monmouthshire Council has apologised for confusion caused over the flag on the newly restored building.

Shire Hall, which is used for community use in the town, has been flying a Union Flag in the run up to its opening by the Princess Royal last Monday.

Kellie Beirne, Chief Officer for Regeneration and Culture said: "As a council, we are proud of our Welsh heritage. The Shire Hall in Monmouth is a historically important building and the town itself plays a significant part in both Welsh and English history.

"The building has just been reopened after a major restoration and we are in the process of having another two extra flagpoles and a Welsh flag.

"We recognise that people have strong feelings about these issues and we have not intended to cause offence to anyone by flying the flag that's currently up there.

"We hope people understand that we are making arrangements to ensure everyone is represented. Due to the building's unique identity, we are commissioning a specific Shire Hall flag to emphasise the extraordinary history it has."