A CROWD of excited Blackbird Leys residents gathered at the Church of the Holy Family last night to celebrate the estate’s first lights switch-on.

In the 60-year history of the Leys, it has never had a community Christmas tree before.

PICTURE GALLERY: All the images from last night's switch-on

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 to bargain-hunt 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 products to put towards 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.’’