CITIZENSHIP ceremonies have become a booming business in Manchester, where more than 8,000 people from 136 different nations have taken the oath of allegiance to the Queen since the scheme was launched four years ago.

The city's Register Office at Heron House off Albert Square is officially the busiest in the country, conducting group ceremonies for up to 25 people at least twice a week - more than any other in the UK.

And its reputation is so good, that many new citizens from outside the area are choosing to have their ceremonies there, instead of their local office.

Manchester has so far opted for a low-key but dignified event, and because of its informality, is able to arrange additional ceremonies at short notice, giving it a competitive edge over other authorities.

Only Birmingham has sworn in more new citizens than Manchester since 2004 when Prince Charles personally handed the UK's first proud new citizens their certificates at a ceremony in the London borough of Brent.

Last year the Midlands city conducted 3,880 ceremonies compared with Manchester's 2,383, but it only hosts ceremonies twice or three times a month compared to Manchester's twice a week.

Now the city is set to capitalise further on its appeal, by looking at more exotic locations for events, including theatres, the art gallery, Urbis and other significant venues.

There may also be a departure from the current policy of having a Superintendent Registrar or deputy conducting the ceremony.

In March the Lord Mayor presented certificates to 50 new citizens during a ceremony in the Town Hall, and deputy council leader Val Stevens did the honours the following day at a ceremony in the Register Office.

Discussions are currently underway to investigate the possibility of the Lord Lieutenant for Greater Manchester Warren Smith - the Queen's official representative in the area - to become involved.

A report which will go to the council's citizenship and inclusion overview and scrutiny committee today says: "The citizenship ceremony represents an important milestone in the process of becoming a British Citizen, and should be celebrated as such."

It says Manchester has so far concentrated on a dignified but low key ceremony, with the emphasis being on frequent ceremonies tailored to demand.

But it says: "Plans are in hand to hold regular more high-profile ceremonies in venues such as the Town Hall state rooms and other venues such as Manchester University, and to involve VIPs and guest speakers.

"In addition to the `pomp and ceremony' offered by the attendance of dignitaries such as the Lord Mayor and Lord Lieutenant, the ceremonies provide an excellent opportunity to emphasise to new citizens their role in the democratic process.

"For example, at the suggestion of Val Stevens, we now include a `Welcome' letter from the Lord Mayor in the standard pack provided by the Home Office, and we are in the process of adding information about how new citizens can register to vote."

Coun Val Stevens, deputy leader of Manchester council, said: "We know we provide a good service and we want to improve it even more so that new citizens can fully participate in the community.

"We take it as a great compliment that so many people use our citizenship service which is respectful and dignified so that they can take on British nationality and also become Mancunians!"