FOUR new British citizens took their oath to the Queen at a ceremony held by Worcestershire County Council's registration service at the city's historic commandery.

The ceremony, marking the final stage of a person's journey to getting UK citizenship, requires participants to swear an oath to the Sovereign that they will be a faithful citizen, and make a formal and public pledge to observe the laws of this country.

The ceremonies are usually private events held at County Hall, but to mark the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carter, the June ceremony took place at the Commandery, which was the Royalist headquarters during the Battle of Worcester.

The new British Citizens were presented with their certificate by the deputy lord lieutenant, Viscount Cobham, and then given copied of the Magna Carta by Cllr Ian Hopwood, chairman of Worcestershire County Council.

Cllr Hopwood said: "It was a great privilege to witness these new British citizens receive their certificates. With its links to liberty and democracy, the Commandery was a fitting venue to hold this ceremony."

Sharon Duggan, Head of Registration Services, said: "It is always a proud moment when a citizen finally receives their certificate confirming their British citizenship and what better place than the Commandery for this event to take place?"