HUNDREDS of Bury "foreigners" will soon be publicly swearing their allegiance if they take British nationality.

Bury Town Hall is preparing to hold the first citizenship ceremonies in April, now required by law as the final part of the procedure for becoming British.

Everyone attending a ceremony, to be held at council registrars' offices, will be required to swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen and also make a citizenship pledge.

In Bury, between 200 and 250 people are expected to attend ceremonies each year. Mr Graeme Ramsden, the council's superintendent registrar, is setting aside the third Tuesday of each month to hold the events, which will probably host ten to 20 applicants at a time.

Mr Ramsden or his deputies will formally greet applicants on behalf of the Government, and the Mayor of Bury -- currently Councillor Wilf Davison -- will make a welcoming speech.

The ceremony will take place to a backdrop of the Union Flag, the flag with Bury's crest, and a picture of the Queen before certificates are presented, along with an information pack about local services. Each applicant will be presented with a small gift carrying the borough's crest, before the National Anthem is played.

Councillor John Byrne, leader of Bury Council, said: "We are aiming for a simple but dignified ceremony which will help newcomers to the UK and to Bury mark their commitment to the country and the borough. It will also be our chance for the first time to formally welcome people to Bury."

Citizenship ceremonies must take place within three months of registrars receiving papers from the Home Office.