BOROUGH MP Jen Craft today (Monday, 10 March) raised the flag of the Commonweath outside Thurrock Council's civic offices to mark Commonweath Day, which has been observed every year on the second Monday of March since its inception in 1977.

It is designed to bring together all Commonwealth nations and territories in unity and camaraderie to celebrate the diversity of its 56 independent countries, almost all of which were formerly under British rule.

One of the purposes of the day is an international affirmation between the countries that voluntarily make up the commonweath.

This year's affirmation can be viewed via this link.

Among those attending this morning's servive were Mayor Cllr Kairen Raper, and the council's deputy leader, Cllr Lynn Worrell, who both spoke.

Portfolio holder for communities, Cllr Val Morris-Cook was present, as were representatives of the Labour and Independent goups also attended, alongside former servicemen and women.

Organisations also represented included the British Legion, Far East Veterans Association, RAF Association and Thurrock Sea Cadets. Borough chief of police CI Tony Atkin also attended, as did former mayor Sue Little.

Representative of the borough's Sikh communityalso attended.

A prayer was read by Mayor's Chaplain Father Anthony Cho.