THE first ceremony in York to swear in new British citizens will take place tomorrow.

The first "new citizens" in the city, who are from Macedonia and South Africa, will take part in the compulsory ceremony at York Register Office, in Bootham.

They will swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen, and pledge to respect the UK's laws, rights and freedoms.

Coun Charles Hall, the Lord Mayor of York, will attend the ceremony, along with the families of the new British citizens.

Robert Livesey, superintendent registrar, said a British flag would be displayed and the national anthem would be played.

He said: "This is something new for us. We are doing baby naming now - and we recently did the first gay marriage ceremony too.

"It's part and parcel of our expanding services."

The Prince of Wales and the Home Secretary David Blunkett attended the country's first ever citizenship ceremony in Brent, London, in February. The first Yorkshire ceremony was held Northallerton last Monday.

Mr Blunkett said: "We want to encourage those who have settled in the UK to take up British citizenship and play a full part in their wider community.

"Those who decide to make the UK their permanent home often have a pride in their adopted country.

"The ceremonies are a key part of the Government's citizenship reforms.

"They will welcome new citizens into local communities and help them to gain a deeper understanding of British values, alongside their own cultural heritage and the rights and responsibilities of becoming a citizen."

Each year, 90,000 adults apply for UK citizenship.

It costs £68 to take part in the event, and the Government is to run a trial in which law and English courses as preparation for those seeking citizenship.

Updated: 10:38 Wednesday, April 14, 2004