The illuminated Western Train - lighting up the tracks in Blackpool since 1962

And rightly so, not least the most decorated of all - the illuminated Western Train, which was originally a tram but expertly created to look like an old western train.

It’s quite a sight and one which always stops people in their own tracks bringing smiles to all, young and old alike.

As Blackpool Transport launches an appeal for vital restoration works for the Western Train, Memory Lane looks back at its history.

All Blackpool illuminated trams have been built on the frames and chassis of earlier trams and the Western Train is no exception.

Introduced in 1962, it was modelled on a locomotive from 1960s children’s show Casey Jones, which took the then highly popular Western genre and built a series of weekly railway based dramas, set in the Old West around the eponymous train driver and his young son.

The moto unit or ‘locomotive’ towing car is built on the chassis of a 1934 English Electric Railcoach and very little survives of the original except for the rear half of the passenger saloon which has retained many original interior design features from window level down.

From the onset the Western Train tram attracted long queues as seaside visitors waited for a ride, it became iconic and a must-do for holidaymakers.

By 1999, however, it was withdrawn from service due to old age and for some time was under threat of being broken up for scrap.

But thanks to the Lottery Heritage Fund, between 2007 and 2009, the tram was completely rebuilt and fully restored to its authentic 1962 condition externally, whilst internally, the carriage was returned to its 1928 appearance.

It was also the very first Blackpool tram to be fitted with wheelchair access, which was incorporated into the rebuilt locomotive without altering the external appearance. From the very outset of the restoration project, Blackpool Transport Services received over a thousand letters from the public through a Gazette appeal, hoping to carry on the tradition of a ride on the Western Train Tram.

Sir Cliff Richard, who travelled on the tram to the ABC Theatre in Church Street to reopen the theatre and launch the first summer show there in 1963, said at the time of the Lottery Grant announcement in 2007: “It’s hard to imagine Blackpool without its historic trams and, without initiatives such as this, they could one day be lost for ever. Like thousands of others, I have fond memories of my trip on this famous tram, and think it’s fantastic that a whole new generation will be able to share the experience.” The current conservation work including body work repairs, full repaint and rewire aim to continue and maintain this ongoing tradition. A spokesperson from Blackpool Transport said: “The Illuminated Western Train tramcar is a very special and unique vehicle. It arguably provides one of the most exciting and tangible links for future generations from all ages and all walks of life to enjoy their heritage. Visit http://www.gofundme.com/f/the-western-train-blackpools-famous-tram