GOVERNMENT plans to introduce citizenship ceremonies are to be discussed by Darlington Borough Council's cabinet on Tuesday.

All adults applying for naturalisation or registration as British citizens will be expected to take part in the ceremony, which will involve taking an oath of allegiance to the monarch and pledging to be law-abiding citizens.

Citizenship ceremonies are to be introduced in Darlington by next April. They will involve a degree-style ceremony involving the display of the Union Flag and playing of the national anthem.

All applicants will be given language training and be expected to have sufficient knowledge of English.