A COMMEMORATIVE flag designed in Bradford is being flown at different buildings around the country from noon today to mark the fourth national Windrush Day.

National Windrush Day commemorates the arrival 73 years ago of the SS Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex in 1948 carrying the first Caribbean migrants to the UK to help re-build Britain after the Second World War.

The flag has been specially designed by Nigel Guy and the Windrush Generation Bradford group and other groups across West Yorkshire.

The flag will be raised at City Hall in Bradford as well as at the Parliament buildings in New Palace Yard, which is the entrance to the Palace of Westminster directly opposite Parliament Square. In addition, a number of other local authorities will also be raising the flag.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “Windrush Day allows us to celebrate the lives, work and legacy of those who arrived on the SS Empire Windrush 73 years ago. I’m particularly proud that Bradford can mark this year’s Windrush Day by raising a flag that was designed here.

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"I want to thank the Windrush Generation and their descendants for their continued contributions to our communities, our economy, and our national way of life.”

Charles Dacres, Director at Bradford Hate Crime Alliance, said: “We’re delighted that a flag designed by members of the Windrush Generation in Bradford and West Yorkshire is being flown nationally today.

"It is important to acknowledge the Windrush Generation, and to never forget the tremendous contribution they have made to this country over the years since their arrival. This day helps us to challenge racism, prejudice and discrimination, and celebrate the lives of those who arrived from the Caribbean all those years ago and their descendants.”