Saint Paul's Catholic High School in Wythenshawe. together with UHSM (University Hospital South Manchester), joined local authorities, community groups and charities throughout the UK to mark Commonwealth Day. The school choir and Head Boy, George McIlroy, and Head Girl, Mary Jayne Chadwick, joined in the celebration event which was held to show appreciation of the values of the Commonwealth and the opportunities offered to its citizens around the world.

UHSM was the only hospital in the UK invited to fly a Commonwealth flag because of its links with a hospital in Uganda.

Outside Wythenshawe Hospital's main entrance, UHSM staff and Members of the Trust Board observed George and Mary Jayne raise the Commonwealth flag, and were serenaded by the school's choir. There was also a Commonwealth Affirmation and a message from Her Majesty The Queen.

"The children showed a great deal of maturity and their behaviour was excellent throughout the morning. We all enjoyed the songs they sang, and of course, the head boy and head girl raising the flag up the pole; it made for a memorable event, "commented Mr Paul Thorpe, Deputy Head of Communications at UHSM.

"Commonwealth Day is an opportunity to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation and the work of the Commonwealth's organisations, which aim to improve the lives of its citizens," explained Mrs Fiona Minshall, Head Teacher at Saint Paul's. "We hoped that through our involvement with the celebrations we would be able to give our pupils the opportunity to celebrate the unity, diversity and linkages of the modern Commonwealth and foster greater understanding of the Commonwealth's achievements and role."