Around 100 people gathered to sing the Bangladesh national anthem on the steps of the Town Hall in Barking Road, East Ham.

There were speeches from Mayor Sir Robin Wales and Mohammed Iqbal Hussain Khan, first secretary of the Bangladesh High Commission.

Mr Khan and Green Street East ward member Councillor Rohima Rahman presented the Mayor with a wooden map of the country as a thank you on behalf of the Bangladeshi community.

Councillor Rahman said: "Newham was the first borough to have introduced a flag raising ceremony to commemorate this occasion and we are proud to be able to celebrate the 37th anniversary of our independence."

Said the Mayor: "Raising flags on national days are a wonderful way of celebrating the various cultures that we have in Newham. We are proud to be able to celebrate the diversity of our community and our shared values."