A commonwealth flag was raised in Barnet as part of a national celebration of its links across the globe.

The flag raised at Hendon Town Hall was among 500 raised across the United Kingdom to mark Commonwealth Day.

Barnet mayor Councillor Melvin Cohen joined local authorities, community groups and charities across the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man who simultaneously raised their flags at 10am yesterday.

The event, which included the reading of a message from Her Majesty the Queen and a Commonwealth affirmation, was attended by councillors and pupils from St Joseph’s Junior School, who sang the national anthem.

Mayor Cohen said: “It was a great privilege and I’m delighted that Barnet was able to participate in marking the day.

“This nationwide event gave us all a chance to celebrate the diversity of the Commonwealth and the shared values and principles on which it is based.”