Mayor of Swindon Maureen Penny welcomed dozens of migrants to Swindon as they became official British citizens during a special ceremony at the council’s offices.

Dozens gathered in the council chamber to complete the lengthy process of becoming a citizen of this country, with friends and family watching on proudly.

Each new Brit received a special certificate and gift to commemorate the occasion after meeting and shaking hands with the mayor.

Councillor Penny greeted the group dressed in ceremonial robes, sitting under Swindon’s coat of arms in front of an enormous mace.

She said: “I am delighted to be here as Mayor of Swindon to welcome you. Becoming a British citizen is something to celebrate and I hope you appreciate the right to live in freedom, the right to your religion of choice – or no religion at all – and the right to free speech."

For the final step on their path to becoming a citizen, everyone had to either pledge or affirm an oath, then all made a pledge of commitment to the United Kingdom. The ceremony ended with the first verse of the national anthem followed by afternoon tea.

Stephen Hunter, as acting Superintendent Registrar, joined the mayor in congratulating and welcoming the happy crowd to the UK.

He said: “Each of you is now a British citizen.

“I hope this occasion marks the start of a new beginning and gives you hope and optimism for our future together.”

The mayor gave a brief history of Swindon and said: “The motto of Swindon is ‘Salubritas et Industria’, which translates to ‘Health and Industry’, and I would like to wish you all an abundance of both.”