AN HISTORIC tramway is celebrating a national recognition after "a very testing and challenging year."

Heaton Park's heritage tramway has been named as the Tramway of the Year in the British Trams Online competition.

In September 2019, the tramway, which is run by the Manchester Transport Museum Society, suffered a "huge setback" when overhead wires were stolen, bringing a temporary halt to operations.

Volunteers feared the line may may be forced to close indefinitely, however the community rallied around the historic attraction with dozens donating money to help the group repair the damage and cover their losses.

On October 3, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) also quickly stepped in to save the day, sourcing and fitting replacement wires to get the tramway back up and running.

Just three months later, the team has been rewarded by readers of British Trams Online, who voted for them to win the Tramway of the Year title. They received 289 votes from the public, accounting for just over 60 per cent.

Heaton Park & Hall posted on social media: "Heaton Park Tramway has been named as 'Tramway of the Year' in the British Trams Online Tram of the Year 2019, following six weeks of voting.

"Just over 60 per cent of all votes were registered for the Tramway who take this award at the end of a very testing and challenging year.

"Our huge congratulations to everyone involved — this shows sheer determination and resilience following a month-long closure after the theft of overhead cables.

"Truly, well deserved!"

Voting took place for approximately six weeks from the start of December until mid January. For more information visit the British Trams Online website.