Immigrants will swear allegiance to the Queen and pledge loyalty to Britain in special ceremonies in Bradford and Keighley.

Bradford Council is making arrangements for the citizenship ceremonies, which must be held by law from April.

The national anthem would be played at the events, which could be held at City Hall and Keighley Town Hall, in rooms with a portrait of the Queen and a Union flag.

The Council may also present mementoes of the occasion.

The ceremonies will be held for any adult aged over 18 who is granted British citizenship and they will be required to take the oath and take part in the ceremony under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act.

Today Keighley MP Ann Cryer, who wrote to Home Secretary David Blunkett urging him to introduce the ceremonies, said she was delighted they would take place.

She said between 800 and 900 immigrants, who become eligible for British citizenship after a year, were thought to come into the district each year.

"I saw this happening in Canada and contacted Mr Blunkett when I ret-urned," she said.

"It is to celebrate their citizenship and is a really positive act. It demonstrates to them that they are welcome as citizens of Bradford."

She said it was an important step in a district of many different cultures.

"The whole attitude could be altered by ceremonies like this," she said.

Sher Azam, president of Bradford Council for Mosques, said: "It shows people that they are welcomed and is better than something in the post."

A Bradford Council spokesman said: "The Council will be providing such ceremonies locally. We are currently developing the form of the ceremonies along the lines suggested in govern-ment guidelines."

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said a report would go to the executive committee but they would be looking closely at cost implications.

Calderdale Council will consider a report on its arrangements at its cabinet meeting on Monday.

By law from April Superintendent Registrars have to conduct citizenship ceremonies. A similar duty will be imposed on local authorities to provide facilities for the ceremony.

Councils will receive £68 for each person's ceremony and will be expected to provide facilities followed by light refreshments.