A sea of more than 850 flags were raised in countries across the world to mark Commonwealth Day.

Groups in the region showed their respect for the organisation, made up of 53 member states, which strives to stand for democracy and fairness.

Breckland Council joined others in celebrating the day, held on the second Monday in March, by raising the Commonwealth flag.

Chairman Gordon Bambridge said: 'This initiative is growing every year and has caught the imagination of people from all walks of life. By joining others in raising and flying the flag today we are participating in a shared celebration of this amazing family of nations that encompasses the globe.'

In Downham Market, Dr Vaishali Purbey, from India, and her seven-year-old daughter Tamanna Purbey raised the flag, watched by Downham Market Academy students.

King's Lynn reflected upon the occasion by raising flags at three significant buildings, the Custom House, the town hall and King's Court.

In Thetford, a civic group including town councillors gathered outside King's House in King Street to raise a flag and in Brandon, Market Hill was the venue for a flag-raising ceremony.

The symbol of the Commonwealth was also flown in Attleborough's Queens Square by the town council and over Broadland District Council's offices, as well as at the South Norfolk Council offices.

Town councillors in the Suffolk town of Eye were joined at the town hall by pupils from Eye Primary School to sing the Queen's Jubilee Celebration Song and the National Anthem.

In Southwold the flag was raised at the town hall and it was seen flying high at St Michael's Church in Beccles's town centre.

Three Stalham Academy pupils helped town councillors raise the flag by the village sign.

In her annual message to the family of nations at Westminster Abbey, the Queen has urged for the support of 'those in need' and others who 'feel excluded'.

Are you celebrating an annual event? Email sophie.biddle@archant.co.uk