Schoolchildren helped the Mayor mark Commonwealth Day at a special flag-raising ceremony today.

Nine-year-old Edan Phillips and Jasmine Njuki, eight, were chosen to take part in the ceremony outside the Civic Offices in Borehamwood after winning a competition.

Edan, who attends Hartsbourne School in Bushey, correctly named all 53 Commonwealth flags in a contest held by Mayor of Hertsmere Councillor Paul Morris, with Jasmine, from Monksmead School in Borehamwood, coming second.

Cllr Morris said: “This is the first time Hertsmere has held celebrations to mark Commonwealth Day and having two local schoolchildren – Edan and Jasmine – join me to help lead the ceremony made it even more special.”

At the event the Mayor read a Commonwealth affirmation before raising the Commonwealth flag.