THE Commonwealth flag has been raised by Wychavon District Council as part of a ceremony of dedication to mark Commonwealth Day 2018.

At 10am on Monday, as the flag was raised outside the Civic Centre in Pershore, it became one of more than 1,000 other Commonwealth flags being raised in the Commonwealth countries around the world.

Commonwealth Day, now in its fourth year, is held on the second Monday in March each year and is an opportunity for individuals, communities and organisations to promote the values of peace, democracy and equality that the Commonwealth stands for.

The theme for Commonwealth Day this year was ‘Towards a Common Future’, the aim being to bring focus on how the Commonwealth can address global challenges and work to create a better future for all citizens through sustainability, prosperity and fairness.

Before the flag was raised at the ceremony, a speech from the secretary general of the Commonwealth Nations, The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland QC, was read out by councillor Liz Eyre, chairman of Wychavon District Council.

Councillor Eyre said: “I am really pleased that once again we’re supporting Commonwealth Day by raising the Commonwealth flag.

"By committing to raise the flag – and joining with world leaders and heads of state, school children, girl guides and boy scouts, fellow councils and community groups from within the Commonwealth – we are part of something that is positive and uplifting and that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness as we look towards a common future.

“By working together in practical ways in our local communities, and by interacting with people from around the world, we sustain and build a more strongly connected Commonwealth that is mutually respectful, resilient, peaceful and prosperous.”

For more information about Commonwealth Day visit www.flyaflagforthecommonwealth.co.uk.