EAST Hampshire played its part in a global event on Monday to celebrate the unifying power of the Commonwealth.

Tony Muldoon, chairman of East Hampshire District Council, raised the Commonwealth flag outside the council offices at Penns Place, Petersfield.

The flag was one of 850 raised in locations throughout the UK and around the world to celebrate Commonwealth Day.

Countries from Malta to the Maldives and from Tonga to Trinidad took part in the event and celebrated their shared values.

Mr Muldoon, who raised the flag at 10am, said: “We are proud to raise the commonwealth flag and show our solidarity with so many other countries across the world. The commonwealth is a source of strength and pride for its founding members and I am proud that East Hampshire can play its part in that.”

Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth, now in its third year, was founded by Bruno Peek, who said: “It is a positive and uplifting way for people to link with fellow citizens of the Commonwealth in a family that spans across oceans and continents. There is a real sense of promise, and hope for the future in this current troubled world of ours.”

Hampshire County Council also held a flag-raising ceremony in Winchester on Monday to mark Commonwealth Day.

Nigel Atkinson, the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, read a message from Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and Hampshire County Council vice-chairman Keith Chapman read the Commonwealth Affirmation.

Mr Chapman said: “It is an honour to take part in this national event. As a collective public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, it enables participants to show appreciation for the values the Commonwealth upholds, and the opportunities offered for friendship and cooperation with fellow Commonwealth citizens, young and old, around the world.”

The flag was raised by Winchester mayor Angela Clear.

The county council’s staff choir, the Castle Singers, sang Jerusalem and a variety of other songs to complete the ceremony.

This is the third year that local authorities and civic dignitaries, community groups and charities throughout the British Isles have carried out flag-raising events and ceremonies of dedication to mark Commonwealth Day.

Mr Sharma said: “Flying a Flag for the Commonwealth is an imaginative way for people in local communities – wherever they live, learn or work – to join together with others throughout the Commonwealth in a spirit of respect and understanding to celebrate the variety and unmatched diversity of our global family. I welcome and commend it.”

More than 850 Commonwealth Flags were raised in locations throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK overseas territories, and Commonwealth countries.