TOWNS and cities in the North-East are being urged to throw parties to encourage more immigrants to take a "Britishness test" and become fully-fledged citizens.

From next April, local authorities will be expected to stage American-style citizenship ceremonies, at which new citizens will swear an oath of allegiance to their adopted country.

Now, a report to Home Secretary David Blunkett has urged local authorities to make the ceremonies an unforgettable celebration for both immigrants and the wider community.

The plea follows fears that many immigrants, who would already enjoy the right to live permanently in Britain, will not bother to take out citizenship.

At present, would-be citizens, who have lived in the country for at least five years, simply have to fill in a form to receive a certificate through the post.

But, after the tests are introduced next year, they will have to show they have improved their standard of English and have some knowledge of British culture and institutions.

The report, by an advisory group headed by academic Sir Bernard Crick, said well-publicised civic ceremonies could encourage immigrants to apply.

It said: "The public ceremony should mark the particular nature and significance of the occasion and be something memorable to all new citizens and, as far as possible, to the whole local community."

At the ceremonies, a Mayor or provost will make a speech of welcome in front of local MPs, councillors and community and religious leaders.

The report also recommends that new citizens are offered further free English lessons and training opportunities, as a further encouragement.