THE oldest building in Oxford will be the first historic landmark to be lit up under a bright new scheme that promises to transform the city centre by night.

The 11th-century Saxon tower of St Michael at the Northgate Church, pictured below, Cornmarket Street, is one of four buildings to be illuminated with architectural lighting.

Plans to light up Oxford's historic landmarks were unveiled last month.

The lighting, which was funded by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire Ian Laing, will not be on all the time.

City rector Hugh Lee thanked Mr Laing for funding the low-energy lights, and said: "I think it will be a wonderful addition to Oxford. The good thing about it is it isn't like flood lighting and doesn't create light pollution. It will really show up the textures of the building and the architectural features."

A special service will be held at St Michael's on St George's Day, April 23 at 8.30pm, followed by an official lighting ceremony outside at 9pm.

Mr Laing, who declined to reveal the sum he had donated for the scheme, is also funding lighting at Mary Magdalen Church in Magdalen Street, Exeter College Chapel, Turl Street and the Wesley Memorial Chapel in St Michael Street.

He said: "I am thrilled the idea has been by and large received so enthusiastically, particularly as so many historical and important institutions in the city are working together."

Radcliffe Square and the 13th-century Carfax Tower could be next in line for architectural lighting.