TWENTY-EIGHT people will become British citizens during a ceremony in the region today.

The new citizens will be welcomed to Newcastle and will receive their citizenship from Newcastle Lord Mayor Councillor George Douglas and Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear John James Fenwick.

An invited audience of family, friends and civic leaders will watch the ceremony, at Newcastle Civic Centre.

The 28, who come from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Pakistan, Japan, Iran, South Korea, Mauritius, Kenya, China, South Africa and Burundi, will receive certificates and mementoes of the day.

Coun Douglas said: "Becoming a British Citizens is a very important decision so it is my pleasure as Lord Mayor to be sharing this moment with those who are starting this new part of their lives.

"For many years Newcastle has been enhanced by the many people from throughout the world who now regard the city as home.