AMERICAN-style citizenship ceremonies for immigrants will be held in Bolton for the first time later this year.

More than 600 people in the borough will be lining up to become British citizens by pledging their allegiance to the country at public events to be held at public venues including the town hall.

Around 50 immigrants who have been granted citizenship are expected to take part in the first ceremony at the town hall on April 21, and to recite the oath and the pledge together as a group.

Others may instead choose to stage their own ceremonies at venues such as the Reebok Stadium or Smithills Hall, which are covered by marriage licences, but the sites have to be public and a registrar must be present.

Currently, oaths of citizenship are performed privately in front of a Home Office Commissioner.

The new events will be held on a monthly basis following the implementation of Home Secretary David Blunkett's Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill.

Ceremonies at the town hall will be attended by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Cliff Morris, and will be carried out by council registrars who perform other civic roles including civil wedding services.

Venues without the licence could also be used if approved by the registrar.

Cllr Guy Harkin, deputy leader of the council, said Britain was finally waking up to the benefits of citizenship.

He said: "I believe this will help to integrate people into Bolton and its communities, as well as allowing them to take pride in the hard won rights and freedoms we have in Britain."

The bill for the events -- and a new administrative officer who will oversee the system -- will be picked up by the Home Office.

Mere Hall was also considered as venue for the ceremonies, but officials fear they may interfere with wedding bookings.

Security will also be provided to keep out anyone wishing to disturb the events.

Foreign nationals are able to apply to become British citizens after living legally in the country for more than five years.

They must have a sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic and the intention of remaining closely connected with the UK.

The wives and husbands of British citizens may also apply for naturalisation after three years of residence, providing they are of good character.

John Addison, of the council's central services department, which has been preparing for ceremonies, said: "These events will be a celebration. These people will not only becoming citizens of Britain, but also of Bolton."

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An oath and a pledge

THOSE taking part in citizenship ceremonies will have to recite both an oath and a pledge to their new country. Afterwards, they will be presented with a certificate and a small gift, such as a paperweight, and an official photographer will be on hand to take their picture.

The oath reads: "I (their name) swear by almighty God that on becoming a British citizen I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors according to law."

It will be followed by the pledge: "I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen."

Non-religious versions are also permitted.