A FORMER Beirut hostage has done his bit to welcome foreign nationals into the British way of life.

Terry Waite, who lives in Blackheath, attended the first monthly citizenship ceremony of the year, at Lewisham Town Hall last week.

The ceremony saw more than 80 people make an oath of allegiance to the Queen, before singing the national anthem.

Mr Waite also presented the newly-qualified British citizens with a certificate to confirm their citizenship.

Last year nearly 2,000 Lewisham residents from 124 countries, including India, Iraq and Somalia, were awarded citizenship.

Former hostage negotiator Mr Waite, who was held captive for four years between 1987 and 1991, thinks the ceremonies are good.

He said: "Those who elect to take British citizenship should be officially welcomed to the country and reminded of their rights and responsibilities."