Richmond's unique connection with a founding father of Chile has been celebrated with a colourful ceremony and bugle salute.

Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme was one of the key figures in the Chilean independence movement and head of the country's first national government.

A bust of O'Higgins atop an elegant concrete monument designed by Chilean architect Marcial Echenique can be found off Richmond Bridge and above the riverside. The area is known as O'Higgins Square.

O'Higgins lived in Richmond for two years at the age of 17 in 1795 while he studied at Clarence House in The Vineyard, which used to be a private school

Every year Richmond marks his birthday, August 20, and today Mayor of Richmond Cllr Geoff Acton joined delegates from the Chilean Embassy in laying wreaths at the square.

Around 40 people were present for the ceremony with many dressed in the full military regalia of their respective country, they stood in quiet respect in a semi circle surrounding the O'higgins Bust.

Speaking at the ceremony Chilean Ambassador to Britain, David Gallagher, said: "We know that he received a well-rounded education in Richmond and that he adopted liberal ideas prevalent in England at that time that were to become crucial on his return to Chile.

"Chile, our country, are very proud of the close relationship between Chile and the United Kingdom Thanks to each of you who has honoured us with your presence today we have achieved the objective of celebrating the country that saw a young boy turn into a man."

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Founder and president of the Latin American and Caribbean Cultural Society, Professor Juan R. Monroy, joined ambassador Gallagher and Cllr Acton in laying wreaths next to the O'Higgins bust.

The ceremony was finished with a traditional bugle salute and the Chilean National anthem.