The Shipley Glen Tramway team was today celebrating its most successful Santa Specials run for 15 years.

Thousands of visitors flocked to see the festive trams throughout weekends in December, and it has helped give the tramway's trust a funding base for next year.

There was a 250 per cent rise on visitors compared with December, 2001, with some 60 children-an-hour visiting Santa's grotto. Trams and stations were all decorated, there were games to play and a chance to meet Santa.

Meanwhile, an engineering survey commissioned by the charitable trust, which officially takes over the running of the tramway from Mick Leak on January 1, has revealed some work that should be carried out soon.

Mr Leak, who took on the lease in 1982, said: "The tramway is safe to operate but it will need capital investment in the next two years. It needs a refurbishment of the winding equipment and some electrical work being done.

"We are working with equipment which is original, although it has been repaired many times. It has been running for 107 years now so the tramway needs lots of tender loving care.

"The report is positive and nothing will stop the tramway from running, apart from a lack of volunteers and money.

"Without our volunteers, the workings would be in a glass case at the industrial museum."

Dave Rogers, chairman of the trustees will apply for Heritage funding in January.

"We hope to get work done next year, depending on the funding," he said. "The Santa Specials was very popular which was brilliant because it shows people have confidence in the tramway and want it to continue.

"Our volunteers have been magnificent, but we could really do with some more. We have high hopes for the tramway in 2003 and thank the public for their continued support. We would also like to pay tribute to Mick Leak who has kept the tram going for years and will stay on in an advisory role."

The success of the trams caps a troubled year for the Victorian attraction, which in August was saved from closure at the 11th hour, with a £20,000 one-year rescue package from Bradford Council.

Mr Leak, who leased the Council-owned tramway, faced a bill of more than £2,500 for public liability insurance, coupled with a 30 per cent annual drop in income every year since 1999 and a fall in visitor numbers.

The tramway opens in Winter on Saturdays from 1pm until 4pm and Sundays from noon to 4pm.

Volunteers are asked to ring Sam Micklem on (01274) 562160 or the tramway office on (01274) 589010.