Illumination system comprising a radiation source and a luminescent material comprising a first phosphor capable of absorbing part of the light emitted by the radiation source and emitting light of a wavelength different from that of the absorbed light; wherein said first phosphor comprises europium(III) as an activator in a host lattice selected from the compounds of an anionic oxygen-containing species with a cationic metal species, comprising yttrium(III) and gadolinium(III). A light-emitting diode as a radiation source is especially contemplated. The invention also relates to a red to amber yellow emitting europium(III)-activated phosphor comprises europium(III) as an activator in a host lattice selected from the compounds of an anionic oxygen-containing species with a cationic metal species, comprising yttrium(III) and gadolinium(III). Furthermore the invention relates to the use of the phosphor for general illumination, traffic and signage lighting, automotive and for backlighting of liquid crystal displays.