A series of Ce 3+ doped novel borate phosphors MSr 4(BO 3) 3 (M = Li or Na) were successfully synthesized by traditional solid-state reaction. The crystal structures and the phase purities of samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. The optimal concentrations of dopant Ce 3+ ions in compound MSr 4(BO 3) 3 (M = Li or Na) were determined through the measurements of photoluminescence spectra of phosphors. Ce 3+ doped phosphors MSr 4(BO 3) 3 (M = Li or Na) show strong broad band absorption in UV spectral region and bright blue emission under the excitation of 345 nm light. In addition, the temperature dependences of emission spectra of M 1+ x Sr 4−2 x Ce x (BO 3) 3 (M = Li or Na) phosphors with optimal composition x = 0.05 for Li and x = 0.09 for Na excited under 355 nm pulse laser were also investigated. The experimental results indicate that the M 1+ x Sr 4−2 x Ce x (BO 3) 3 (M = Li or Na) phosphors are promising blue emitting phosphors pumped by UV light.