Meet Diamond Dan the Orangeman

The Orange Order's new superhero has been given a name, Diamond Dan the Orangeman.

The colourful figure was the focus for unprecedented media attention when he was introduced to the public in November.

He appeared on Orange Institution Christmas cards and proved an instant success.

He will now feature on new badges and other merchandise such as fridge magnets and notebooks.

Grand Lodge launched a competition to name the cartoon figure and there were more than 120 suggestions, many of them from the young people to whom the character was intended to appeal to the most.

A special committee was set up to select the winning name.

Director of Services of the Grand Lodge, David Hume said, 'We were delighted with the response to the competition. There were many strong entries such as Sash Gordon, Sashman and the Boyne Wonder.'

'We picked Diamond Dan the Orangeman for a number of reasons.'

'The name Diamond Dan has resonance going back more than 200 years to the formation of the Institution at the Diamond, Loughall, in 1795. Dan Winter was one of the founding fathers of the Order. It will raise questions, which we can answer as part of our education outreach and explanation of our history.'

'And of course apart from the historical aspect of the name, it has a good ring to it,' he said.

The name was the idea of Steven Mitchell a primary school pupil from Lisburn. He received a cheque from the Grand Treasurer, Mervyn Bishop.

Orange Order education officer David Scott would like him to be a mentor for young people offering advice on a range of matters encompassing the general theme of civic responsibility.

'It goes without saying that the Orange superhero will be in favour of young people attending church, helping others and showing respect for the community,' he said.

'Diamond Dan will be the kind of person who offers his seat on a crowded bus to an elderly lady. He won't drop litter and he will be keen on recycling. He will also be very committed to the Orange Order and to the Junior movement and will make efforts to know all he can about the history and culture of his community.'

'The whole idea is really a bit of fun and an attempt to make the Orange Order more appealing to young people. Diamond Dan will not replace King Billy but his creation will give us the chance to promote the true values of being an Orangeman,' he said.