A Saints fan has resorted to a centuries-old tradition to change the lights on the Itchen Bridge from blue to red and white.

Court Leet is an annual event, held before a jury of Honorary Alderman, past mayors and council sheriffs, allowing residents to take matters of concern to the council.

This year, the historic ceremony dating back to at least 1549 saw cab driver Perry McMillan submit a presentation to light up the Itchen Bridge in the colours of Southampton's football team.

Since 2011, the bridge overlooking St Mary's stadium has displayed blue LED lights, the colours of Southampton’s rivals Portsmouth.

Mr McMillan told the council: “The lights on the Itchen Bridge have been blue for over a decade to the dismay of Southampton supporters.

Daily Echo:

“We have a thing in Southampton where down the M27, we have some rivals in Portsmouth, it’s not only a footballing rivalry but it’s also business rivalry too, that’s gone on for many decades.

“I speak in astonishment that a city that’s known for red and white, has blue, fluorescent lights on the Itchen Bridge.

“I think it’s time for that to change, let’s be proud of red and white!”

READ MORE: Why are the lights on the Itchen Bridge blue and not red?

Daily Echo:

Jurors at the annual ancient tribunal acknowledged Mr McMillan’s proposal, with a decision expected to be announced at a cabinet meeting in December.

The town crier signalled the start and end of this year’s Court Leet – with a ringing of the bell and the words ‘God save the King’.

Speaking to the Echo after his presentation, Mr McMillan said: “I’m happy with how it went.

“I’m happy that I spoke from the heart, I didn’t read from a script and it’s a simple request to change the blue lights to red and white ones.

“I feel it’s important for the city to have an identity of red and white and we’ve seen from the media storm that there’s definitely an interest there.”

He added: “Let’s hope common sense prevails and let’s hope we get the right decision in December.

“I’ve had such a great response from raising awareness of this and that can only be a good thing.”

Southampton City Council previously said the colour red was deemed "not safe or acceptable" following discussions with the port of Southampton and Southampton Airport.