Colchester is flying the flag to mark the fourth international Commonwealth Day on Monday.

The borough council will join communities and heads of state around the world, to raise more than 730 Commonwealth flags at 10am local time.

The town’s ceremony will see the mayor, Cllr Gerard Oxford, accompanied by the mayoress, Cllr Beverley Oxford, read out a message from the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland. He will also read a message from the Queen and a specially-written Commonwealth affirmation.

In front of guests gathered on the town hall entrance steps, the mayor will raise the specially-commissioned flag, which will be in place for a week.

Mr Oxford said: “I’m delighted to be participating in this global event marking Colchester’s support for the Commonwealth, its communities and the values it upholds.”