Blackpool Illuminations to get Diamond Jubilee tram

The tram's murals will feature British images such as a 50p coin, Blackadder and the Red Arrows

Blackpool's annual Illuminations will feature a tram celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and Great Britain, organisers have said.

The tram, a reconditioned model originally built in 1937, has been repainted in Jubilee livery by prisoners at nearby HMP Kirkham.

It will also feature a moving image of the Queen on the front and murals drawn by local children.

Blackpool councillor Graham Cain said the tram would look "fantastic".

The town's illuminations will be switched on on 31 August and the tram is expected to make its debut along the promenade around the same time.

Mr Cain said it was "a great project that involves the local community in both this year's Illuminations and in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee too".

The murals, which depict British imagery including a 50p coin, Blackadder and the Red Arrows, will be added to its windows.

The 75-year-old tram has been reconditioned by the Kirkham prisoners in conjunction with Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust.

Trust chairman John Woodman said he was happy a tram built in King George VI's coronation year was being used to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

"It is appropriate that Blackpool is able to celebrate Her Majesty's long reign with one of its famous trams," he added.