THE Commonwealth flag was raised at West Devon Borough Council's offices at Kilworthy Park in Tavistock on Monday as part of a major national event to mark Commonwealth Day.

The council was one of more than 730 locations around the world to hoist the flag — the largest single raising in the history of the Commonwealth.

Just before 10am, the Mayor of West Devon, Cllr Christine Marsh, read the Commonwealth affirmation: 'Joining together as members of one worldwide Commonwealth community, and valuing the personal dignity and worth of every citizen, we raise this flag as a symbol of the ties of kinship and affinity that we cherish.

'We draw inspiration from our diversity, and the opportunities for working together, as a rich source of wisdom and a powerful influence for good in the world. We affirm our commitment to upholding the values set out in the Commonwealth Charter, to serving one another in a spirit of respect and understanding, and to advancing development, democracy and co-operation locally, nationally and internationally.'