NORTH Oxford businessman Nicholas Hardyman is bringing a seasonal glow to Summertown - by rescuing the area's Christmas lights.

The lights were due to be thrown out until Mr Hardyman stepped in. Now they should be up and switched on by Monday.

Mr Hardyman, who has lived in Summertown since 1978, has also set up a community website.

He enlisted the sponsorship of businesses in the area, including Marks & Spencer, Finders Keepers, ShawGibbs accountants, and Savills to get the website up and running.

The 52-year-old found the Christmas lights languishing in the basement of a Headington electrician's shop.

Mr Hardyman said: "The Christmas lights, bought by the Summertown Traders' Association, have not been used since 2003 and they were being stored by an electrician.

"He phoned up and asked if they could be thrown away and I thought there would be a good opportunity to save them and make people in Summertown proud of what is on offer.

"For many people living locally, they do not feel a need to go right into Oxford because all their shopping needs can be met in Summertown."

Mr Hardyman, a father-of-two, said the website www.summertown.info would serve both the business and residential community and bring them closer together.

He added: "It's for so many people.

"Firstly, everyone who lives or works in Summertown, and needs to find out what's on offer - for example, where to find a sandwich at lunchtime, a dentist or a chiropodist, a solicitor or butcher.

"It will also tell you which buses go to the station or to the John Radcliffe and what time the last post collection is. All these details about daily living in Summertown can now be accessed on one site."

Mr Hardyman said phase two of the website's development would improve the community element, including a Summertown blog for residents.

Mr Hardyman, who publishes a global broadcasting directory, added: "The website is also for people thinking of moving to Summertown.

"There is information on local estate agents and aspects of life that newcomers really want to know about, such as property, schools, transport, parking and other key facilities.

"In the first few weeks, the site has been visited by people from 30 countries, including Brazil, China, Australia, Hungary, the United States, Canada and Chile."