Medway flag-raising ceremony marks year of celebration

The council believes being recognised as a city will bring investment and jobs to the area

A flag-raising ceremony has taken place in Rochester to mark a forthcoming year of celebrations in Medway.

Service personnel from the Royal Engineers took the flag to Rochester pier by boat where it was brought ashore.

The area is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Royal Engineers and also the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Dickens.

Later in the year, Medway will find out if it is to be granted city status.

The honorary title will be granted to just one town as part of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The five Medway towns - Rochester, Strood, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham - have submitted a joint bid.

The flag was presented to the leader of Medway Council, Rodney Chambers, at Rochester Cathedral before being taken to Rochester Castle.