A group of Bradford immigrants will take an oath of allegiance to the Queen and make a pledge to uphold British democratic values in a history-making ceremony at City Hall on Monday.

The seven residents are the first in the district to take part in citizenship ceremonies which will now be held across Britain.

After they make their pledge the National Anthem will be played and there will be a round of applause.

The six men and one woman, who originally come from Pakistan, Kenya and Somalia, will receive certificates and a small gift from Lord Mayor Councillor Allan Hillary to welcome them to the district and into the local community.

The ceremony, presided over by Superintendent Registrar Dorothy Jenkins, will be the first in West Yorkshire.

The events, which will take place in Bradford and Keighley, are the final stage of a process which must be completed before people are granted citizenship after application to the Home Office.

Coun Hillary said: "This first ceremony will be a historic occasion and I am proud to be taking part.

"Bradford has a diverse population and each ethnic group enriches the cultural life of the district and makes an important contribution to our community.

"Through this ceremony we will be extending a warm welcome to those who choose to make the UK their permanent home and settle in the district.

"Bradford has been a welcoming host community for generations and our 20-20 vision is an enabling vision for us to live together in peace.

"This is a Government initiative and Bradford is happy to take up the baton."

Coun Hillary, who has tried to involve all the district's cultures in events during his year of office, said: "It is allowing people to commit themselves to Bradford and the community but we don't want them to lose their heritage, culture and faith."

Keighley Labour MP Ann Cryer said: "It is the way that we should make them feel welcome and part and parcel of the community. It is a move in the right direction.

"I hope it will increase the numbers of people applying for British citizenship because there are very few requests."