The oldest building in Oxford will be the first historic landmark to be lit up under a bright new scheme that promises to transform the city centre by night.

The 11th-century Saxon tower of the City Church of St Michael at the Northgate in Cornmarket Street is one of four buildings to be illuminated with architectural lighting.

Plans to light up Oxford's historic landmarks were unveiled last month.

The lighting, funded by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Ian Laing, will not be on all the time.

City rector Hugh Lee thanked Mr Laing for funding the low-energy lights, and said: "I think it will be a wonderful addition to Oxford.

"The good thing about it is it isn't like flood lighting and doesn't create light pollution.

"It will really show up the textures of the building and the architectural features."

A special service will be held at St Michael's on St George's Day, April 23 at 8.30pm, followed by an official lighting ceremony outside at 9pm.

Mr Laing, who declined to reveal the sum he had donated for the scheme, is also funding lighting at St Mary Magdalen Church in Magdalen Street, Exeter College chapel in Turl Street and Wesley Memorial Chapel in New Inn Hall Street.

He said: "I am thrilled the idea has been by and large received so enthusiastically, particularly as so many historical and important institutions in the city are working together.

"I hope the lights will give pleasure to lots of people."

Radcliffe Square and the 13th-century Carfax Tower could be next in line for architectural lighting.

Research by specialists Equation Lighting Design found that illuminating a few key landmarks could improve the atmosphere of the whole city centre.

The report found buildings like Martyrs Memorial, Trinity Tower and Balliol College could serve as impressive "city markers at night".