AMERICAN Independence Day was celebrated at the ancestral of one of the country’s first president.

The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Lynda Scanlan, was joined at Washington Old Hall by National Trust representatives, Friends of Washington Old Hall, Sunderland Youth Parliament and pupils from several local schools.

Guests of honour were American representatives from Tudor Place, the home of the granddaughter of Martha Washington, George Washington’s wife.

They helped carry out the traditional flag raising in the gardens as all those assembled sang the American national anthem.

The flag raised was one which flew over the American home of George Washington, Mount Vernon in Virginia, on US national Flag Day earlier this year.

Executive director of Tudor Place, Mark Hudson said; “We’re thrilled to be joining the National Trust and Sunderland City Council for this special event at Washington Old Hall and thought it was fitting to use an American flag from Mount Vernon.”

Cllr Lynda Scanlan said: “As a city we are all very proud of our Friendship Agreement with Washington DC, and of our community’s close cultural ties with America and its capital city.

“I’m honoured as Mayor to welcome our special guests from Tudor Place to this year’s event, and delighted that our unique historic connection with Washington DC continues to open up opportunities like the partnership between Tudor Place and Washington Old Hall, and create real benefits for both our communities.

“The visit from Tudor Place is part of a project supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and follows an outgoing visit by members of the Washington Old Hall team to Tudor Place in June of this year.”