WHILE most people associate Monmouthshire County Council's register office in Abergavenny with births, marriages and deaths not so many are aware that the premises are also used to welcome new British citizens?

A recent ceremony held in the council's Coed Glas offices in Abergavenny saw six new citizens welcomed by Monmouthshire's Chairman Brian Hood, and Colonel Mike Harry, the Deputy Lieutenant of Gwent.

Among those accepting British citizenship were popular local cleric Father Robbie Dennis and his wife Diane.

Mr Dennis has lived in the UK for eight years and currently officiates at St Teilo's Church in Abergavenny.

Originally from South Africa, Father Robbie and his wife were involved in the struggle against apartheid and he was proud to have once given communion to Nelson Mandela when he visited his parish church. Father Robbie said, "It's been a long process but I now feel I can better serve the community I represent".

Mr Hood said, "The thing I notice most at the citizenship ceremony is how very proud people are to become British and they are thrilled with the welcome the people of Monmouthshire extend to them.

"The bonus is that this is a wonderful place to live and work and all these new citizens seem very hard working at a variety of jobs".

Becoming a British citizen is a significant event and is celebrated in a meaningful way.

Since January 2004, all adults wishing to become British citizens in the United Kingdom must demonstrate a basic knowledge of the English language and the British way of life and tradition and they must also attend a citizenship ceremony within 90 days of citizenship being granted.

Here they are welcomed into the local community and they will make an oath of allegiance (or affirmation) to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second and a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom.

A substantial fee is paid in advance to the United Kingdom Border Agency. This is non-returnable even if the application is unsuccessful.