A SPECIAL ceremony was held in Stratton this morning to mark Commonwealth Day 2017.

Around 50 or 60 people gathered in the glorious sunshine at the peace memorial in Ermin Street to see the raising of the Commonwealth flag.

Local residents, parish councillors and school children attended and were even joined by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson.

The event was part of a nationwide ceremony held in towns and cities all over the country to mark this year’s Commonwealth Day.

Joe Tray, chairman of the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, welcomed guests and offered a few words in the spirit of friendship and concord.

He said: “It is a great honour for the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council to host this event for the first time and we raise this flag as a symbol of ties of kinship, serving one another in spirit and respect and understanding.”

He spoke of the import role played by all members of the community and thanked everyone for attending the event.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said: “It was an honour to join the Stratton community of all ages who have come here to celebrate our wonderful Commonwealth.

“It is a real credit to the parish council for organising this great event.”

People afterwards enjoyed refreshments at the Grange.