A special flag was raised at Fenland Hall in March on Monday (March 12) as part of the global celebration of Commonwealth Day.

Cambs Times: Left to right: Cllr Kay Mayor, Neil McKittrick and Cllr Chris Seaton | Commonwealth FlagLeft to right: Cllr Kay Mayor, Neil McKittrick and Cllr Chris Seaton | Commonwealth Flag (Image: Archant)

It was one of hundreds of ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth’ ceremonies held across Britain and around the world.

Guests, including representatives from the district, town and parish councils gathered and welcoming them was Councillor Kay Mayor, chairman of Fenland District Council.

She said: “The Commonwealth is a diverse family of nations, which stands for tolerance, understanding, fairness and respect for all people.

Cambs Times: Left to right: Rev Andrew Smith, Cllr Chris Seaton, Cllr Kay Mayor, Neil McKittrick and Cllr Jan French | Commonwealth FlagLeft to right: Rev Andrew Smith, Cllr Chris Seaton, Cllr Kay Mayor, Neil McKittrick and Cllr Jan French | Commonwealth Flag (Image: Archant)

“We are proud to be joining with other local authorities in demonstrating our commitment to those values.”

Neil McKittrick, deputy lord lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, delivered a specially written ‘commonwealth affirmation’ followed by a messaged read by Councillor Chris Seaton, council leader.

The flag, blessed by Rev Andrew Smith of St Peter’s Church in March, was then raised.

Cambs Times: Guests gathered at Fenland Hall | Commonwealth FlagGuests gathered at Fenland Hall | Commonwealth Flag (Image: Archant)

The raising of the flag was followed by a ceremony in the council chamber to commemorate the Commonwealth’s involvement in the First World War.

It included the lighting of four candles, a two-minute silence and the reading of war poems by Lily Davis and Hannah Whinnett, Year 13 students from Neale-Wade Academy in March.

Cambs Times: Left to right: Hannah Whinnett, Cllr Kay Mayor and Lily Davis | Commonwealth FlagLeft to right: Hannah Whinnett, Cllr Kay Mayor and Lily Davis | Commonwealth Flag (Image: Archant)

Cambs Times: Fenland Hall | Commonwealth FlagFenland Hall | Commonwealth Flag (Image: Archant)