Flag raising to mark Commonwealth Day

The ceremony will be held from 09:00 GMT on Bridge Street

A flag-raising ceremony will be held to mark Commonwealth Day outside a city's town hall.

Peterborough City Council will join 56 independent member countries to mark the occasion.

The annual event gives communities and organisations the chance to celebrate and promote the Commonwealth's principles of peace and unity.

The Peterborough event will be held from 09:00 GMT and will feature the raising of the Commonwealth flag in Bridge Street.

On Monday, special events are being held across the nation to mark the annual celebration of the Commonwealth nations, including a multi-faith service held at Westminster Abbey.

This year's theme "Together We Thrive" will shine a light on the Commonwealth "family" and the importance of unity to cultivate empowerment and progress in former British colonies.

Marco Cereste, Conservative Mayor of Peterborough, said: "I'm honoured to have the opportunity to celebrate Commonwealth Day and reflect on our commitment to the Commonwealth Charter.

"I would encourage everyone across Peterborough to come along and celebrate a collaboration of nations, looking at the significance of diversity, peace, equality and democracy."

Alongside the UK, the Commonwealth covers the five main inhabited continents, with countries ranging from Antigua & Barbuda to Zambia.