Festive cheer spread across Oxford last night as king of the jungle Tony Blackburn switched on the city centre's Christmas lights.

Tony Blackburn with Bart Simpson

The I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here winner was greeted by roars of applause from thousands of people lining Cornmarket Street.

Veteran DJ Tony led a countdown to the big switch on at 6.25pm from a roadshow stage set up by radio station Fusion 107.9. He could not hide his delight at receiving such a warm welcome and repeatedly thanked the people of Oxford for their support.

He said: "It's fantastic to be here. Things have been a bit hectic since the show, it all seems like a dream.

"I just can't get over the response. Everyone's been great, Oxford is fantastic."

People travelled from miles away in the hope of catching a glimpse of Tony.

Kate Halliday, 19, from Kent, said: "I adore him, he's just lovely. I had a day off work so I thought I'd come to see him. It's been a great evening, worth the journey."

Joy Shorter's ten-year-old daughter Kay begged her mum to take her to the switch on.

Mrs Shorter, from Yarnton, said: "Kay really wanted to come, she's a big fan of Tony's and won't be happy until she gets his autograph."

Carol Kelsey, of Marston, Oxford, who was with children Alex, Naomi, and Jessica, said: "It's been fun. We came last year and it's just good for the children. They're a bit young to recognise Tony, but there's been plenty of things for them to see."

Father Christmas and cartoon characters The Simpsons helped the evening go with a swing.

The city's Lord Mayor, Gill Sanders, said Oxford should be proud of its lights.

She added: "Everyone's worked really hard to make this night a success.

"It's wonderful, a great way to mark the start of Christmas."