THE sun shone brightly on the community of Alcester as the town gathered to mark Commonwealth Day.

A special service, which included the raising of the Commonwealth flag, was held on Church Green at St Nicholas’ Church on Monday, March 13.

Chairman of the Alcester Branch of the Royal British Legion Mike Gittus introduced the Event.

He said: "The Queen celebrated her Sapphire Jubilee on February 6 this year and she is the longest reigning English monarch.

"The connection is that our Queen is the Head of The Commonwealth, which consists of 52 nations and two and a half billion people, one third of the world’s population."

The Rev Adrian Guthrie conducted a short service of celebration before Stratford District Council chairman Sue Adams read the commonwealth affirmation and the flag was raised by Terry Scott.

The Alcester Royal British Legion standards were also presented by Mike Clarke and John Bates.

Commonwealth Day is held annually on the second Monday in March to celebrate the Commonwealth of Nations.