A sense of being part of a wider community will be shared on Commonwealth Day when Thanet flies a special new flag.

The Lord Lieutenant of Kent, The Viscount De L’Isle, presented Thanet District Council chairman, Cllr Kay Dark, with The Commonwealth Flag at a county hall ceremony.

Thanet will join other local authorities, civic dignitaries, community groups and charities at special events throughout Britain, to fly the flag on Commonwealth Day, March 10.

The shared activitiy will enable people in their local communities to become involved and join with others nationwide in associating themselves with widespread public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, appreciation of the values it stands for, and the opportunities offered to its citizens around the world.

KCC Chairman Eric Hotson said: “It is wonderful to see all 14 local authorities in Kent taking part in this wonderful initiative, and I am only too happy to host the event to present the Commonwealth Flags to representatives from each local council.”

On Commonwealth Day, a specially written Commonwealth Affirmation will be read out at each ceremony before the flag is raised at 10am.

Charity teams will take flags to the top of the UK’s four highest peaks to raise funds for their causes.