YOUNGSTERS from Saltaire Primary School enjoyed a festive tram ride as part of Sparkling Bradford Christmas.

Pupils were invited to Shipley Glen Tramway for a Christmas-themed ride to kickstart the district-wide programme of festive events. The children were treated to a free ride on the tram, greeted by Santa Claus with festive gifts.

The historic tramway is hosting ‘Santa Specials’ each weekend in December, featuring a winter wonderland, festive entertainment and Santa's grotto, as part of Sparkling Bradford, funded by partners including The Broadway Bradford, Bradford Council, Bradford BID, Visit Bradford, the University of Bradford and Made in Bradford.

Tramway treasurer Richard Freeman said: “It was joyful to see the children’s faces as they rode through the woods. Initiatives like Sparkling Bradford are important for organisations such as ours to remind people of all we have to offer.”

Ian Ward, general manager of The Broadway and chairman of Bradford BID said: “Sparkling Bradford has returned for the third time since its launch last Christmas and that’s down to the wonderful array of businesses, activities and offers the district has to offer. Visitors can plan their festive activities using the Sparkling Bradford brochure available in district-wide outlets or online.”

Giant Christmas cards have been installed across city centre locations for a Christmas trail, with visitors invited to solve an anagram for the chance to win £200 in vouchers for The Broadway and submit selfies on social media via #SparklingBradfordSelfie.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “We’re looking forward to more events over coming weeks including Christmas productions at King’s Hall in Ilkley, St George’s Hall and the Alhambra. There's something for all ages, including Christmas fayres and markets, late-night shopping, festive guided walks and craft workshops."

Follow #SparklingBradford and @VisitBradford on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or visit visitbradford.com/sparklingbradford.