AN Egyptian who moved to east Cleveland four years ago with his Guisborough-born wife has taken British citizenship.

The architectural engineer was one of 11 people to take part in a citizenship ceremony organised by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

The local authority has now conferred citizenship on 27 people since the borough's first ceremony in May last year.

Ahmed Nasr, 38, who met his wife, Jane, in Egypt, said: "I very much enjoy the way of life in Guisborough and have always found the people of Redcar and Cleveland wonderfully friendly and welcoming.

"It is easy for people to feel unwelcome in this country when they first arrive and go through a complex process with the Foreign Office over residency. However, I am settled now and really feel that this area is my home, the ceremony will affirm that."

Councillor Glyn Nightingale, the council's cabinet member for corporate resources, said: "Every citizenship ceremony I have attended has been very inspiring.

"Each new citizen has made a conscious decision to join us as a full member of society and is prepared to share our rights and responsibilities as UK citizens. On behalf of the council, it is a pleasure to welcome all the 11 as fellow citizens."

The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 requires all applicants for naturalisation or registration as a British citizen, who are aged 18 or over, to attend a citizenship ceremony.