THURROCK Council hosted a special ceremony today (Monday, 14 March) marking Commonwealth Day by flying a flag outside the civic offices in Grays.

The annual celebration of Commonwealth Day sees the United Kingdom join 53 other countries across the world, spanning Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific, in recognising and honouring the values that the Commonwealth upholds.

The event was attended by borough mayor Cllr Sue Shinnick, council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill and Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price.

Cllr Shinnick said: "It was a pleasure to take part in this morning's event and mark our first flag-raising ceremony for Commonwealth Day in person since 2019.

"The theme for 2022 is 'Delivering a Common Future' and it's important that we all take a moment to reflect on how the Commonwealth family is innovating, connecting and transforming to help achieve goals like fighting climate change and ensuring there is good governance for all.

"With this year also being Her Majesty's Jubilee Year, it's even more important that we recognise the role service plays in the lives of people and communities across the Commonwealth. I send my best wishes to those across the world who are proudly flying the Commonwealth flag today."