GORDON Spate has performed his final civic duty as the Queen's representative for Waltham Forest.

Col Spate, who was given the freedom of the borough in December, welcomed 21 new British citizens in a ceremony at Waltham Forest Register Office, Grove Road, Walthamstow, last Thursday.

Since citizenship ceremonies began in the borough in 2004, as deputy lieutenant for the borough he has formally presented certificates to more than 660 new residents, including the very first, the 1,000th and the 6,000th person to join Waltham Forest's British family.

Col Spate officiated at Waltham Forest's first-ever citizenship ceremony in May 2004 and has attended 20 in an official capacity since then.

He said: "I enjoy doing it. I think it's a very nice step that all these individuals are taking, and they should be encouraged as much as possible.

"I'm a great believer in formality, and I think the ceremony leaves a lasting impression, which is why I also like to say a few words to each individual."

While welcoming the spare time he will now have on his hands, he commented: "When you reach 75 you must retire, which is a shame because I don't feel as if I'm 75, and I feel like I could continue.

"I do have a lot of things to tackle though. I have 3,000 books I have to sort out and put on shelves, which I have not had chance to do, so that will be my first task."

Twenty one citizens braved the snow to take the pledge of allegiance at last Thursday's ceremony. They were from 15 different countries, including Germany, Turkey, South Africa, Phillippines, China, India, Ghana, New Zealand, Afghanistan and the USA.

Col Spate's successor is yet to be announced.