MORE than a hundred residents of Summertown joined together to help usher in the festive season with an annual Christmas tree lights switch-on event.

Residents, school children and councillors came together on Friday night to mark the official launch of the festive season in north Oxford.

There was carol singing from Cutteslowe Primary School children and Oxford High School as well as from D'Overbroeck's College.

A brass brand was also in attendance belting out Christmas classics, courtesy of St Edward's Brass Band, before Mark Carter, of Estate Agents and sponsors of this year's tree, Carter Jonas, switched on the lights at the event.

Speaking after the festivities, which have been held annually for over a decade, Oxford city councillor for Summertown Andrew Gant praised the turnout.

He said: "It was fantastic, a really good success. What I was really pleased with for this year was that you had participation from four local schools.

"It was really nice to make it such a community event."

Mr Gant added the event would return again next year.