TEST Valley Borough Council will be flying the Commonwealth Flag in Andover to commemorate Commonwealth Day.

This is part of the Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth initiative which will see 500 Commonwealth flags raised simultaneously throughout the United Kingdom at 10am on Monday. (10)

There will be a short dedication before the raising of the flag at the Guildhall, Andover, led by Mayor, Councillor Janet Whiteley.

For the first time ever local authorities and civic dignitaries, community groups and charities throughout the British Isles are taking part in a unique initiative to express commitment to the Commonwealth, appreciation of the values it stands for, and the opportunities offered to its citizens around the world.

Cllr Whiteley said: “I am delighted to support such a unique and exciting project, and hope that this marks the beginning of an initiative that will go from strength to strength in future years, and spread across all nations of the Commonwealth.

“It signals a spirit of sharing and inclusion which is a message as pertinent today as it was when the Commonwealth was first formed.”