People applying for British citizenship and joint passports will be able to have their application checked by specially trained employees from later this month.

East Ayrshire Council will become one of only six local authorities in Scotland to offer the Nationality Checking Service.

This will ensure application forms are completed properly and the correct documentary evidence is submitted.

Run in partnership with the Home Office by East Ayrshire Council Registrars, the new service will be available by appointment from January 23 at the Burns Monument Centre in Kilmarnock and Rothesay House, Cumnock.

Council leader Douglas Reid said: "East Ayrshire Council Registrars provide a full range of services to the people of East Ayrshire.

"They are right beside our communities at the happiest and the saddest of times, always providing a professional service.

"The Nationality Checking Service is a further enhancement to the service they provide and will greatly assist people who wish to apply for British citizenship and joint British passports."