A RAINBOW flag was hoisted up the mast at County Hall in Trowbridge on Thursday (February 1) to mark the start of LGBT History Month.

Wiltshire Council Chairman Allison Bucknell raised the flag, along with staff and members of the LGBT forum attending the ceremony at 9.30am.

To mark the month, there will be an exhibition in the hall’s atrium with information on LGBT issues.

Cllr Bucknell said: “Raising this flag is a fitting way to mark our clear commitment to Wiltshire Council being an inclusive place for all.

“Our society has come a long way through the years but there is always more to do and this is one way to mark the progress and vow to continue ensuring equality for all.”

The exhibition ends at the end of February and this year’s theme is geography.

“This month is important as it acknowledges the brave men and women who got us to where we are today and gives us a chance to see what still needs to be done,” said David Payne, health trainer and chairman of the LGBT forum in Wiltshire.

“With the council’s diversity ethos we can achieve this.”