SOUTHEND is celebrating the tenth anniversary of staging official events to welcome new citizens to the borough.

Hundreds of residents have taken part in special citizenship ceremonies when they have applied to become naturalised British citizens and have been accepted by the Home Office, since 2004.

They are asked to swear or affirm a citizenship oath and pledge their allegiance to this country as an essential part of the legal process.

The ceremonies, administered by the Southend Council’s registration Service, are led by the mayor of Southend, who welcomes families to the United Kingdom and Southend and gives a brief overview of the area.

The mayor, on behalf of the Home Secretary, presents each applicant with their nationality certificate, which can be used to apply for a British passport and also serves as official proof that they now have British nationality.

The whole ceremony, which concludes with the national anthem, is a celebration.

Southend mayor Chris Walker will host a special event to mark the tenth anniversary of ceremonies at Prittlewell Priory on Tuesday, December 2.

In addition to the ceremony, where more than 20 people will be formally accepted as British citizens, there will be special entertainment, including English songs performed by Southend Civic Centre choir, and a traditional mumming play from Thameside Mummers as well as refreshments for the new citizens and their guests.

Mr Waller said: “Citizenship ceremonies are really joyful occasions.

“As well as being a formal way to recognise the official new status of our new residents they also give us the chance to welcome them here, and to extend the hand of friendship to them. “At these ceremonies all residents are able to bring guests with them, including their family and friends.”

Before residents can have a citizenship ceremony, they must have passed the life in the UK test certificate and also must have met particular standards in listening, speaking and writing English, as well as fulfilling other requirements including having lived in the UK for a specific length of time.