A FLAG was raised in a special ceremony at Cotswold District Council's headquarters to celebrate Commonwealth Day.

Councillor Sir Edward Horsfall, Chairman of Cotswold District Council, and Councillor Joe Harris, the Mayor of Cirencester, led the ceremony this morning (Monday) to promote greater understanding of global issues, international co-operation and the work of the Commonwealth’s organisations.

Cllr Horsfall read a message of ‘good wishes’ from Her Majesty The Queen as well as the Commonwealth Affirmation in front of councillors and staff.

The ceremony was one of over 500 which took place across the UK, the largest single raising of the flag since this celebration began in 1977.

The final ceremony of the day involved The Queen presiding over the hoisting of the Commonwealth Flag outside the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey.