Aspiring Brits to be quizzed on Monty Python

Aspiring British citizens will face a revised general knowledge test, including an appreciation of Monty Python, in their bid to join the nation's ranks.

The British Home Office has updated its 2007 handbook, Life In The UK, and subsequent exam, shifting the focus to cover events and people "who have contributed to making Britain great".

The profile of former prime minister Margaret Thatcher has been given a boost.

Described in the last edition as a "divisive" figure who caused "massive industrial decline", the Iron Lady is held in high regard in the new handbook.

Stars of the London Olympics also feature in the latest citizenship guide, with heptathlon gold medallist Jessica Ennis among those named.

Along with politics and sport, the 45-minute citizenship test will also touch on the arts, science, history, inventions, landmarks and a section titled "unique", which features comedy group Monty Python and aims to highlight the British sense of humour.

"The new book rightly focuses on values and principles at the heart of being British," Immigration Minister Mark Harper told British tabloid the Daily Express.

"We have stripped out mundane information about water meters, how to find train timetables, and using the internet."

Previously migrants were not tested on British history.

Questions about public transport, credit cards and job interviews will be removed from the new publication, which is already on sale and will form the basis for exams from March.

In 2012 some 150,000 people sat the citizenship test hoping to secure a British passport.