THE Star Spangled Banner was again raised in the North-East at the ancestral home of America's first president - marking the 239th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The flag raising ceremony at Washington Old Hall marked the annual 4th of July celebrations formed part of a full day of free family entertainment at the stone manor house, which was home to George Washington's direct descendants.

The event, organised by the National Trust, Friends of Washington Old Hall and Sunderland City Council, began with musical entertainment and included a reading from the Declaration of Independence by Jack Stocker, Chairman of

Sunderland Youth Parliament.

The flag was presented by 15-year-old Reece Anderson, a student from Washington School, who wore the grey uniform of George Washington’s bodyguard. It was then raised by Jon Gann of Washington DC, creator of the city's short film festival.

Mayor of Sunderland Barry Curran said: “When I became Mayor of Sunderland this was one of the annual events I most looked forward to, representing the people of our city at an occasion which symbolises our unique links with the United States and its capital.

“Today is all about celebrating our shared past, but also an opportunity to look forward to our shared future and it is fantastic to have our partnership with Washington DC so much at the heart of today’s celebration.”

National Trust, Assistant Director of Operations, Robyn Brown, added: “The annual 4th July celebrations are something we look forward to every year – it’s a fantastic time to recognise the work that we do with the City of Sunderland to look after an important and very special historic place, and to mark the unique relationship we have with our friends in Washington DC.”