Albania marked 107 years of Independence yesterday 28 November. To mark the occasion, the Albanian flag was raised at Barking Town Hall, as the borough came together with members of the Albanian community, council staff and well-wishers.

Since Albania was declared independent on 28 November 1912, every 28 November is commemorated by all Albanians (wherever they live in the world) as their National Day.

Barking and Dagenham Council’s Director of Policy and Participation, Mark Tyson had a message of solidarity for members of the borough’s Albanian community and their well-wishers. He said: “Albania has a very rich and extensive history – one that has influenced and affected not only the people who live and were born there, but members of the Albanian community in Barking and Dagenham as well.

“We’d like to thank the Shpresa Programme who have organised the day as part of the council’s Donate a flag initiative and who put on a wonderful educational and colour displays in our Town Hall to mark the day. I’d like to also send our thoughts to the Albanian community and all those affected by the recent Earthquake.

“As a borough, we benefit greatly from the diversity of different peoples and are grateful for the positive impact members of the Albanian community who have chosen to live, work and do business here have on our borough.”