A RAINBOW flag is flying high over County Hall in Northallerton along with a series of events across the region to mark Pride Month.

The rainbow flag will flying most days until June 29 as North Yorkshire County Council joins in a celebration of diversity.

Pride events are taking place across the county council including bake-offs, coffee mornings and virtual events to raise money for LGBTQ+ charities.

There is also a special play taking place at Harrogate Theatre “Too Pretty to Punch” on June 18.

The events aim to celebrate diversity across communities and work towards a fully inclusive society.

Shaun Doyle, county council library assistant and a “proud ally” of the LGBTQ+ community said: “Pride month is a crucial celebration that marks the anniversary of the Manhattan Stonewall uprising.

"We’ve thankfully progressed a lot since the 1960s, though every day we make an effort to recognise the doctors, drivers, librarians, activists, business people and many others who also happen to be LGBTQ+.

“As a council, we take pride in being as inclusive and as empowering as possible – whether through employing a great mix of LGBTQ+ people or keeping our libraries as sanctuaries.

"Regardless of who you are and who you love, you should always be treated with compassion and equal respect. This month, let us all share and celebrate the Pride that our diverse community brings us.”