THE birth of the Prince of Cambridge was celebrated across Oxfordshire yesterday.

Six of the eight bells at St Giles’ Church, Oxford, were rung at 8.45am to celebrate and the birth was officially announced in the city centre by Oxford’s town crier Anthony Church.

Mr Church, 60, of Barns Road, Cowley, said: “I think it’s great for the country and it will lift people’s spirits.”

Messages of congratulations were sent from across the county.

Tim Stevenson, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Oxfordshire, said: “On behalf of Oxfordshire I would like to send very best wishes to the family.”

The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev John Pritchard, said: “The birth of a baby is a matter for great celebration, and in common with others throughout the country, I rejoice for them and offer my prayers for their future as a family.”

The Art Room, a charity that offers art as a therapy to young people in Oxford, sent congratulations to the Royal couple, as the Duchess of Cambridge is its patron.

Juli Beattie, the charity’s founder director, said “We are thrilled to learn of his safe arrival.”

Oxford Yarn Store in North Parade Avenue, North Oxford, celebrated the birth with a knitted William, Kate and baby in the window.

Owner Karen Draisey said: “It is our way of saying good luck to them.”