THE Commonwealth flag has been raised at the Subscription Rooms in Stroud today, Monday.

It is one of 500 flags which have been raised across the UK to mark Commonwealth Day which has been celebrated every year on the second Monday in March since 1977.

Stroud District Council chairman Dennis Andrewartha was joined by Cllr Simon Pickering, chairman of SDC’s environment committee and Stroud Town councillor Haydn Sutton for the flag raising ceremony at 10am this morning at the Sub Rooms in Kendrick Street.

Cllr Andrewartha said: “I am delighted that Stroud District Council is part of this new celebration of Commonwealth Day.

“Joining other councils, charities and community groups in raising our flags at the same time allows us to come together to express our appreciation for the Commonwealth and to celebrate what it stands for.”

This year’s flag raising ceremony comes as the UK prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and also marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Flags were also raised at the Rothera Research Station and on the Brunt Ice Shelf, both on the Antarctic Peninsula.

A flag was also raised at the Stroud District Council offices in Ebley Mill.