The chairman of Uttlesford District Council, Cllr Eric Hicks, raised the commonwealth flag at a ceremony at the council’s offices in Saffron Walden yesterday (Monday).

Over 500 Commonwealth Flags have been raised by local authorities and community groups throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man in celebration of Commonwealth Day.

Chairman, Cllr Eric Hicks said: “We are delighted to have taken part in this momentous occasion and I was honoured to raise our flag in support of the Commonwealth.”

A message of ‘good wishes’ from Her Majesty The Queen, together with a specially-written Commonwealth Affirmation was also read out by the chairman at the ceremony.

A special interactive map has also been produced by Esri UK, to show the location of each flag.