Proud to be British - 06/11/06

 

Ten Vale of Glamorgan residents, originally from as far afield as China, South Africa and the Philippines, were honoured to become British citizens in a recent ceremony at Barry's Town Hall.

 

Proudly watched by friends and family, the group underwent their rites of passage in the grand setting of the Mayor's parlour.

 

Conducted by a Superintendent Registrar from the Vale Council, the ceremony saw the participants either pledge an affirmation or swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen.

 

The newly British citizens were then presented with a certificate, official documentation and a gift from Vale Mayor, Cllr Nic Hodges, and Mayoress Shirley Hodges.

 

Cllr Hodges was delighted to welcome the citizens on their very special day, in the first ceremony of its kind to take place at the newly redeveloped Town Hall. He said: "It gave me great pleasure to be part of the proceedings. In the Vale, they have all chosen a wonderful area in which to live as British citizens, and I hope that their lives here will be happy and fulfilling."

 

To apply for British Citizenship you need to have lived in the UK for five years or been married to a British citizen for three years. For further details, contact Tania Carter, Superintendent Registrar at the Vale of Glamorgan Council, on 01446 709490.