A children's play area in Oxford has become the first in the city to be lit up with power from the sun.

Three solar-powered lights have been installed in Manzil Way Park, off Cowley Road.

They are topped with a solar panel that provides much of the electricity needed to run the lights.

Electricity is exported to the National Grid during the day, then taken from the grid at night, when the lights are used to illuminate the children's playground.

Green councillor Craig Simmons, the chairman of the city council's east area committee, said it had taken a long time to source the solar lights and convince the police of their effectiveness, but they were now installed and operating to everyone's satisfaction.

Mr Simmons said: "The solar lights provide much-needed illumination to a dark corner to the rear of the children's playground, so it improves safety and increases the time the play equipment can be enjoyed.

"Parents and children are very happy and feel much safer.

"The new lighting system has a minimum impact on the environment and there are no ongoing costs.

"I hope Manzil Way Park will pave the way for solar lighting to illuminate other parks in Oxford. We hope it sets a precedent."

Solar power has already proved a hit elsewhere in the county, including lighting bus shelters, powering water pumps and heating water at council offices.

In January, Oxfordshire County Council installed solar-powered bus shelters between Oxford and Wallingford.

The shelters, at stops on the Dorchester bypass, in Shillingford, Berinsfield and Crowmarsh Gifford, absorb energy during daylight and use what has been accumulated to power lights in the shelters during the night.

The following month, the Ridgeway School, in Wantage, was given a solar-powered water pump for its nature pond by energy firm npower.

Solar panels are due to be installed at the South Oxfordshire District Council offices in Crowmarsh to help heat water.

Five panels, costing £12,000, will be out on the front and roof of the building.

The new system will provide about 60 per cent of the building's hot water supply.