Christmas returns in part of Spain (4)

I believe the answer is:

leon

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'part of spain' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'christmas returns' is the wordplay.
'christmas' becomes 'noel' (synonyms).
'returns' says the letters should be written backwards.
'noel' reversed gives 'LEON'.

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leon that I've seen before include "- Trotsky, communist" , "Put up Chrissie" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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