Luminescence of Eu2+ in Sr2SiO4:Eu2+, RE3+ [RE = Ce, Nd, Sm and Dy] phosphors was studied with a view to obtain an afterglow phosphor. The synthesized phosphors were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance, photo- and thermoluminescence spectroscopic techniques. Afterglow was observed only with Dy3+ co-doped phosphor. The observed afterglow with Dy3+ co-doping originated from the formation of suitable traps which was supported by thermoluminescence results. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.