A FLAG-RAISING ceremony took place outside the Civic Offices in Barry on Monday (March 10) to mark Commonwealth Day.

The short ceremony, in which Vice Lord Lieutenant Sir Brooke Boothby passed on HM Queen’s good wishes, also involved Vale mayor Cllr Margaret Wilkinson reading the Commonwealth Affirmation.

The RAF voluntary band played to onlookers on the forecourt with the RAF giving a general salute and presenting arms.

St Helen’s RC Junior pupils also attended the event.

Year 4 pupil Leanne Lirio, nine, said: “I thought it was a delight to hear all the music. I was baffled by the 200 flags and it was quite fascinating to learn about it.”