The Douglas horse trams have been recognised as the most ’outstanding’ railway attraction at a UK competition.

It was announced at the Heritage Railway Association awards ceremony in Birmingham that the iconic horse trams were the winner for outstanding visitor experience in the small groups category.

This is the fourth award that the Isle of Man Transport has received so far this year, with the Manx Electric Railway winning traditional tram of the year, tramway of the year and event of the year.

Ian Bates, director for Isle of Man Transport, said: ’For Douglas bay horse trams to win the Heritage Railway Association award for outstanding visitor experience is a fantastic achievement.

’We have seen passenger numbers for the horse trams increase year on year, with the 2018 season carrying more than 80,000 passengers, a 9% increase from 2017.

’We were up against strong completion for the Heritage Railway Association awards, including another fantastic Isle of Man attraction,: the Great Laxey Mine Railway.

’The reason the horse trams have been such a success is due to the increased number of tour operators who are visiting the island, as well as the fantastic team we have to operate the attraction and ensure our horses are looked after well.

’This includes an exceptional team of volunteers’.

The horse trams were established in 1876 by engineer Thomas Lightfoot.

This popular attraction is scheduled to open from April 25 to November 3, 2019, but this depends on works being carried out to revamp the promenade, which are currently being undertaken.

The changes will see part of the tram line become a single track between the Broadway junction and the Sea Terminal.

The Great Laxey Railway was shortlisted for the same category for its special Hop-tu-Naa themed event last year. Established in the early 1820s, the railway’s terminus is located at the Valley Gardens, and is the island’s only railway tunnel.