COMMONWEALTH Day yesterday was celebrated at Cotswold District Council with a flag raising ceremony at its offices in Trinity Road, Cirencester which was hosted by its chairman Clive Bennett.

Before the flag was raised, Cllr Bennett read out a special message of good wishes from Her Majesty The Queen and also relayed greetings from His Excellency Kamlesh Sharma, the secretary general of the Commonwealth.

Cllr Bennett said: “I am proud that we are one of around 730 locations across the Commonwealth where this special day is being celebrated. As a collective public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, flying the flag enables participants to show appreciation for the values that the Commonwealth upholds, and the opportunities offered for friendship and cooperation with fellow Commonwealth citizens around the world.”

Kamalesh Sharma said: “Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth is a most imaginative way for people in local communities – wherever they live, learn or work – to join together with others throughout the Commonwealth in a spirit of respect and understanding to celebrate the variety and unmatched diversity of our global family. I welcome and commend it.

“All our citizens, particularly the young, can express appreciation for the Commonwealth and the values for which it stands as set out in the Commonwealth Charter, and the rich opportunities it offers for mutual support towards more inclusive social and more equitable economic progress.”