Farnham Town Council has observed Commonwealth Day with a flag-raising ceremony outside its offices in South Street on Monday 9 March.

Similar ceremonies took place simultaneously in towns and cities across the UK and the day was also celebrated across the world in the other 53 countries that make up today’s Commonwealth.

Farnham’s ceremony was led by the Mayor of Farnham Councillor Pat Evans and included children from St Andrew’s, Badshot Lea Infants, Potters Gate and Farnham Heath End School. They were joined by RAF AC, the Army Benevolent Fund, The Queen’s Royal Regiment, the Royal British Legion, Farnham Hedgehogs, Farnham Visitors Forum, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice and Farnham Weyside Rotary.

Speaking after the event, Councillor Pat Evans said: “The Commonwealth is about celebrating an international community, friendship as well as diversity. It’s about shared history but also working together for common goals. This year’s Commonwealth Day was centred around the theme Delivering a Common Future and aimed to highlight how the 54 member countries of the Commonwealth are innovating, connecting and transforming in their quest to achieve some ambitious goals such as protecting natural resources and boosting trade.

“Our young people are our future leaders and ceremonies such as the one we held today, help to bring greater understanding and appreciation of the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter.”

Nationally, HM The Queen issued a message as Head of the Commonwealth and there was a multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey.