VOLUNTEERS at the British Schools Museum, Hitchin, show their flags to celebrate the attraction s reopening after the winter break. Launched at the same time was a new exhibition, The Red Bits on the Map, which is subtitled Geography and Empire. It shows

VOLUNTEERS at the British Schools Museum, Hitchin, show their flags to celebrate the attraction's reopening after the winter break.

Launched at the same time was a new exhibition, The Red Bits on the Map, which is subtitled Geography and Empire.

It shows how the British Empire developed - and then became the British Commonwealth as nations achieved independence.

The display shows how geography was taught in elementary schools in the late 19th and early 20th centuries - and how that teaching looked at the variety of peoples throughout the world with whom Britain relied for trade.

And there is the story of how Britons were encouraged to emigrate to the colonies.

Alongside the exhibition, the museum is running the Me and a Flag and a Carrier Bag challenge.

Members of the public are invited to send in a photograph of themselves, or a friend, with a flag and a British Schools Museum carrier bag in the picture.

Museum volunteers want to see flags from places across the world - not just from the old empire or commonwealth.

"In just a couple of weeks we've had pictures from Hungary, China and the USA as well as Australia, South Africa and Canada," said Terry Ransome, organiser of the challenge.

"We'll send you a carrier bag if you send a large sae to the museum at 41 Queen Street, Hitchin, SG4 9TS."

The museum's guided tours, family trail and exhibition are open to the public on Tuesdays (10am to 4pm) throughout February and March.

From April opening extends to Saturdays (10am to 1pm) and Sundays (2pm to 5pm).