A SOUTH African-born man who now lives in Broadwoodkelly was among the first 15 people officially to become a new citizen of the UK when Devon County Council hosted its first ever citizenship ceremony.

Robert Stuart, 59, who lives in Broadwoodkelly, had the honour of taking part in the ceremony held last month. From January 1 2004, participation in a citizenship ceremony became a requirement for those applying to become British citizens. Every applicant is required to swear an oath of allegiance to the Crown and make a pledge to uphold the values and laws of the UK.

The government?s aim is to ensure that gaining citizenship is not purely a bureaucratic process and that applicants have the opportunity to celebrate the event.

The ceremony at County Hall in Exeter was carried out by Superintendent Registrar Trevor Spratt and attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Eric Dancer, and county council chief executive Phillip Jenkinson as clerk to the lieutenancy.

Afterwards the new citizens and guests were treated to a high tea of Devon produce. The fifteen new citizens at the ceremony originally come from ten countries ranging from Ecuador to Macedonia.

It is estimated that 110,000 people become British Citizens in the UK each year.