SEVEN people became British citizens in the first official public citizenship ceremony in Darlington yesterday.

The ceremony was introduced in England and Wales in April this year and is now the only way to become a British citizen.

It requires those taking part to make a public declaration of loyalty to the Crown and is very similar to that held in the US, where prospective citizens pledge an oath of allegiance.

So far, there have been two Citizenship Ceremonies in Darlington, which were private ceremonies that took place at Darlington Register Office.

Those wishing to become citizen apply to the Home Office, who then process the application and then pass the details on to local register offices to conduct the ceremonies.