Douglas’s horse trams’ season is being cut short.

They will stop running on Sunday, October 21, to allow work to begin on the promendade refurbishment programme.

A series of events is planned around the end of the season this year, to mark the final day of service along the current historical track.

Events will include:

Double deck tramcar No. 18 will be taken on two return trips pulled by a pair of horses at 10.15am and 11.15am.

Volunteers will offer tours of the stables to meet the tram horses, known as trammers, up close and see what the future holds for Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.

Stables open 10am-2pm, with guided tours at 11.30am and 1.30pm.

All 20 Clydesdale and Shire heavy draught horses will come together for a photo opportunity at Derby Castle at 2.15pm.

This will lead into a cavalcade of trams and horses with lead volunteer Stuart Mullan providing an account of each horse and tram as they depart Derby Castle.

The historic last tram service, using Tram 18 with one horse, will leave at 5.30pm.

This service will cost £10 per passenger and a commemorative certificate will be issued to each passenger. Go Cards will not be accepted on this service.

Jason Moorhouse MHK, the politician responsible for public transport, said: ’These are a remarkable series of events which will end the season in spectacular style.

’In 2019 the horse trams will be back to continue the success and providing trips along the Prom. Thank you to both locals and tourists who take the time to enjoy the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.’

Ian Longworth, director of transport services, said: ’We have had an excellent season on Douglas Bay Horse Tramway and after October 21 all of our trammers will have a well-earned break over the winter.’

Last year the horse trams ran till November 5.

Preparation works ahead of the start of the promenade refurbishment scheme got under way earlier this month, following years of delays.

It’s expected to be finished by 2021, at a cost of £21m.

But the DoI still hasn’t announced when the full project is due to begin - subject to the appointment of a private contractor.

For more information on the horse tram events and how to book, visit www.rail.im