CROWDS gathered at North Pier in glorious sunshine to take a trip down memory lane on a tram that made its maiden voyage along Blackpool promenade in 1924.

Historic tram number 147 cruised down the Prom on April 4, re-kindling long forgotten memories of an elegant and grand bygone era in all who had gathered to experience the spectacle.

MP for Blackpool North Joan Humble officially re-launched the tram after riding in the car alongside Blackpool Transport and council chiefs.

The tram has been lovingly restored to its former glory after being retired to a museum in America for 34 years.

It was originally built by Hurst Nelson of Motherwell in 1924 and was operated on the Marton tram route until it was taken out of service in 1954.

Car 147 continued to operate additional summer seasonal journeys until it was finally retired in October 1966. The car was then sold to the Trolleyville USA Museum in Ohio, where it remained until October 2000 when it was brought back to the Fylde Coast for complete renovation by staff at Blackpool Transport's workshops.

Joan Humble said of the tram ride: "It was a beautiful and smooth ride and I feel very privileged to have been able to travel in such a historic tram.

"It has been beautifully renovated and it really is just lovely to travel aboard it, especially on such a beautiful, sunny day as today. I hope that many others will enjoy the experience too."

Blackpool mayoress Sue Wright was also present . She said: "It was a wonderful ride and I am convinced that the deputy mayor and myself have actually ridden on this tram when we were children.

"It brought back lots of lovely memories of my childhood. It is a great thing for Blackpool."

The tram will be in general service for the public along Blackpool promenade from Saturday (April 6).