Cllr Simpson (back left) is pictured with the Ream family who live in Stone.  Stephen Ream who became a British Citizen at the ceremony is originally from Pennsylvania, USA and has lived in the UK for 10 years - he currently lives in Stone.  Pictured left to right: Francis Ream, Louis Ream, Cllr Robert Simpson, Howard Ream, Stephen Ream, Juliet Ream and Catherine Ream.

Stafford hosts first school citizenship ceremony

The ceremony was held at Weston Road High School, in Stafford, where they swore their allegiance to celebrate becoming a British citizen.

Twelve citizens from nine different countries took part in this special event, watched by their families, pupils at the school and local dignitaries. It marked the final step in the process of becoming an official British Citizen. Under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 all applicants, aged 18 and over, who are accepted by the Home Office as a British citizen, must take a citizenship oath or pledge at a citizenship ceremony.

Citizenship ceremonies were introduced as a means to ensure the acquisition of citizenship is not a purely bureaucratic process. The purpose of the ceremony is to celebrate the occasion of becoming a British Citizen, rather than simply receiving documents through the post.

As part of the school curriculum on Citizenship, Staffordshire's Registration Service will be holding ceremonies at a number of local schools. It is hoped that this will give pupils a greater understanding of the importance of being a good citizen, respecting cultural diversity and to play an active role themselves in welcoming new citizens.

County Councillor Robert Simpson, Deputy Leader of Staffordshire County Council and Stafford North County Councillor said: "This is an exciting time for Staffordshire's Registration Service and for these school children taking part in our first school event. We're delighted to be involving our future generation in such an event.  It's a real opportunity for people coming to live in Britain to experience a unique welcome into the county of Staffordshire."

Linda Ellwood the Superintendent Registrar for Staffordshire will conducted the ceremony, where the pupils swear their allegiance, and County Councillor Simpson welcomed the new citizens with a speech on what it means to become a British Citizen. Deputy Lord Lieutenant Michael Beatty then presented each pupil with a certificate to officially mark the occasion - a legal document giving them the status of a British Citizen.

As a momento of the occasion they also received an enamelled lapel pin of the Staffordshire County Council crest together with their certificate.

Regular citizenship ceremonies are held across Staffordshire's eight District Register Offices each year - but this is the first to take place in a school. The Home Office currently estimates that around 650 people will be granted citizenship in Staffordshire each year.

A number of similar ceremonies are set to take place soon, including one at the John Taylor High School in Barton-Under-Needwood and a Mock Citizenship event at the Dosthill Primary School in Tamworth.