A Russian doctor living in Ammanford and a Filipino woman who has set up home in Tycroes have become British citizens at a ceremony in Carmarthen Register Office.

The citizenship ceremony was held to formally welcome on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government new people to Britain and to Carmarthenshire.

Participants came from countries across the world including Slovakia and Zimbabwe, as well as Russia and the Philippines.

Designed to enhance the significance and importance of becoming a British Citizen, the aim of the ceremony, provided by Carmarthenshire County Council’s registration service, is also to provide each individual with a memorable occasion and help them celebrate with their friends and family a new sense of place and belonging.

Certificates were handed to the new citizens by High Sheriff of Dyfed James W P Lewis, and music was provided by harpist Susan Berry.

Carmarthenshire’s statutory services executive board member Cllr Pam Palmer said: “The Citizenship ceremony reflects the importance of becoming part of the British democratic process.

“We welcome the new citizens and trust that they have already experienced the warmth and welcome of their own communities.”