For the first time Mendip District Council is flying the rainbow flag at its head office in Shepton Mallet to coincide with LGBT+ Pride month.

At a short ceremony today (Friday, June 28) Cllr Barry O'Leary, portfolio holder for enterprise and finance, joined with staff and councillors at the council offices in Shepton Mallet to raise the flag for the first time in the district council's history.

Cllr O'Leary said: "For the first time ever, the Pride flag has been raised at the council building.

"In Mendip, we celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ community's right to live their lives out loud."

LGBT+ Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall riots, which began on 28 June 1969. As a result, many pride events are held during the month of June to recognise the impact LGBT+ people have had in the world.

This June also marks the 50th anniversary of those riots in New York City, which are often seen as the launch of the LGBTQ rights movement and, like Mendip, the LGBTQ pride flag flew over the New York State Capitol for the first time earlier this month.

Cllr O'Leary, said: "We must remember that we are a country of laws and as a community we should take equality and inclusion of all very seriously.

"The district council has a distinct local role in making sure everyone's voice is heard and no one is left behind. As a council we want to lift hope, commitment, and solidarity for all people.

"This is the start of an exciting journey for the council as we now seek to articulate the diversity in our area, we will listen to and work with community groups, our employees and volunteers so that we can all have pride in who we are and how we work, together.

"It is fabulous timing when the eyes of the world are on Somerset as Glastonbury Festival takes place within Mendip, that locally we can take this first step on this journey, we hope that many organisations hear this message and reflect on how they can act in an inclusive and equal way for all."

Cllr Ros Wyke, leader of Mendip District Council said: "We are proud to recognise members of the LGBT+ community including members of the council who work tirelessly to support the people of Mendip."