AN Ealing man, who arrived in London by lorry from Palestine eight years ago, has become a British national at a citizenship ceremony last week.

Mohammed Elzani, 23, of North Acton Road, received a certificate and commemorative gift at City Hall from Mayor Boris Johnson, and London Assembly chair Jennette Arnold.

He originally arrived at Shepherd’s Bush, aged just 15, with three friends. His passport and money had been stolen, making him stateless, and, after going to the police for help, he went into special care.

He has attended Westminster Kingsway College and currently studies English at City Literature Institute.

“It’s better now I actually live here. I’m very happy,” he said. “It was very hard before - I couldn’t do what my friends were doing.”

Mr Johnson said: “This ceremony is an important way of encouraging immigrants to play a full part in the communities they live in and to contribute to the health and recovery of their new city and country.”

This was the fourth annual London-wide Citizenship Ceremony held at City Hall.

Since 2004, attendees have been required to make their oaths or affirmations of allegiance to the Queen and a pledge to uphold Britain’s democratic values, rights and freedoms.