THE HUNT is on to find a new home for the last remaining tram that once sped through the city.

Workington Transport Heritage Trust rescued the body of the last Carlisle tram in 2005, it is currently being held in the Undercroft of Carlisle Railway Station but it needs to be moved by November 23.

As a charity, the trust does not have the funds to afford local storage facilities due to the high commercial costs so an appeal has been launched to find a new home for this piece of history.

Philip Tuer, who is spearheading the appeal, said: "Some restoration of the body has taken place but there is much more to be done so a space where work could carry on, would be appreciated, only requiring lighting and a plug socket for use of small electric hand tools.

"The Trust does not have covered accommodation at its current site at Lillyhall, Workington and if the tram were to leave Carlisle it is very unlikely that it would return.

"If an offer of local storage is not forthcoming then in all likelihood a bonfire could be its last resting place."

Work has been taking place to stabilise the wooden structure and replace parts that are rotten with a view to get it on display.

The Trust doesn't want to see a part of Carlisle's history lost.

Alistair Grey, from the Workington Transport Heritage Trust, said: "Ideally it belongs in Carlisle and it is obviously part of Carlisle's history so it should be restored and exhibited there at some stage. Carlisle trams didn't last too long in the grand scheme of things.

"It is educational for today's youngsters in school who might be doing studies related to transport to know that not everything was car based at one time, that trams ran along the streets of Carlisle."

If you think you can help, contact Philip on Philip.tuer@virgin.net