A CROWD of excited Blackbird Leys residents gathered at the Church of the Holy Family tonight to celebrate the estate's first ever lights switch-on.

In the 60-year history of the Leys, it has never had a community Christmas tree before. The lights were switched on at 6.30pm by Lord Mayor Rae Humberstone

Before the main event, visitors were treated to carols from local schoolchildren and the chance bargain-hunting at a festive set of stalls from the Leys Community Market.

The impressive tree now on display outside the church was donated by Delteys Supermarket in Blackbird Leys Road using money from Nisa's 'Making a Difference Locally' fund, which raises money from the sales of certain products to put towards local projects.

Deltey's manager Paul Whitman said: "I have been here since 1962 and it's the first time Blackbird Leys has ever had a tree.

"The owner told me he would like to do something for the community so we approached Nisa and asked what they do for people at Christmas. They said they have donated quite a few trees and lights in the past, so we got in touch with the vicar. She was over the moon with the idea and with what she could do around the tree.

"It has been very short notice but next year we can get more people involved."