The Hampshire Flag Company has played a key role in helping the Salvation Army to raise over ￡2000 for its Red Shield Appeal by donating a selection of Union flags.

More than 300 people gathered at Portsmouth’s New Theatre Royal for the Salvation Army’s ‘Last Night of the Proms’ event which was held to raise money for its annual fundraising campaign.

The Red Shield Appeal helps people across the United Kingdom through its extensive network of community centres, family support units and ‘Life House’ residential programmes.

The Waterlooville-based flag manufacturer, donated 250 20cm x 30cm fabric handwaving Union flags which were given to the audience and 25 5’ x 3’ Union flags which were displayed throughout the theatre.

The Portsmouth Citadel Band and Choir were joined by special guest, Faryl Smith, a finalist in 2008's Britain’s Got Talent competition.

Natalie Hanchett, Good Neighbours Manager for the Salvation Army in Portsmouth said, “We are delighted that Hampshire Flag so willingly donated not only the handwaving flags, which were a big hit with the audience and added a great sense of occasion, but also the Union flags which we used to decorate the venue.

“A ‘Last Night of The Proms’ event evokes patriotism and nostalgia, and the handwaving flags made such a difference to the atmosphere and audience’s enjoyment of the evening. Hampshire Flag was extremely generous and we are over the moon which how much money was raised,” added Natalie.

Hampshire Flag’s Managing Director Graham Wilkinson said, “It’s great to be supporting an event close to home and it is fantastic that ￡2000 was raised on the night.  The Salvation Army does such fantastic work not only locally, but nationally and globally, and I’m glad that we could play a small part in helping to make a difference,” added Graham.

Hampshire Flag’s team of 24 produces hand-sewn national and international flags, printed flags and digitally printed banners. It also offers a bespoke flag design service, PVC banners, marine flags, bunting, table flags, exhibition graphics and event systems in addition to the supply and installation an extensive range of flagpoles.