The “Severn Cross”, was the winner of a competition initiated by the county’s Sheriff to commemorate a millennium of the county’s existence. The flag comprises a cross of mid-blue, fimbriated (outlined) in cream (also described as a pale yellow), against an “apple green” background. It was designed by Jeremy Bentall, who is quoted as saying that the colours represent features typical of the landscape of Gloucestershire: “The green is representative of our rural county, the blue the River Severn and the yellow Cotswold Stone.” No specific explanation was given for the choice of a cross design, but obviously it is a popular pattern for English county flags.