It was the first time that such a ceremony had been taken out into the community and is thought to be the first time any school in the north of England has hosted such an event.

Students from Longcroft co-ordinated the entire event, from the production of commemorative pamphlets, catering and providing entertainment, which included a performance from the school’s gospel choir.

The ceremony provided valuable material for the students to use towards their Citizenship GCSE.

Six adult citizens and two children participated in the ceremony, which was attended by the Lord Lieutenant Susan Cunliffe-Lister, and Councillor Barbara Jefferson, chairman of East Riding Council, together with Chris Hudson, regional director (north east) of the Yorkshire and Humber Region Border and Immigration Agency.

Citizenship ceremonies were introduced in 2004 after the Government ruled that anyone wanting to become a British citizen should take place in a formal ceremony within three months of their application being granted.

New residents take an oath or affirmation to the Queen and a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom.

Matt Snowden, Longcroft’s Community Liaison Officer, said the school was delighted to host the ceremony.

“Various elements of the school curriculum have been heavily involved in the ceremony, including music provided by the Longcroft Gospel Choir, the recital of an original poem to mark the event and catering provided by food technology students,” he said.

“The Citizenship Ceremony has also become a focus of the Citizenship GCSE, helping students with the development of coursework and other projects.”