Seaton Tramway is preparing to show its support for Cats Protection when it unveils a new-look tram.
The double deck tram No 12 is returning to service after being repainted in the London Metropolitan livery.
The launch will take place at the heritage attraction's Seaton terminus at 10.30am on Monday, May 26, when the tram will be on show for the first time in its new livery and with promotional displays from the East Devon branch of the UK's leading feline welfare charity.
The launch will be performed by Seaton town crier David Craner and the 'VIP' cats that will cut the ribbon. On the 11am departure to Colyton, the first 20 people to turn up will ride free of charge.
Cats Protection events co-ordinator Sheila Down said the event would help raise awareness of the hundreds of cats and kittens that need re-homing in the area each year.
Tram 12 dates from 1966 when it was built as a single deck tram at Eastbourne. It was re-gauged on coming to Seaton in 1971 and then rebuilt as a double decker with open top deck in 1980.
Finally it was restyled in 1999 by the addition of a Feltham style driver's cab and repainted in London Transport livery. London Transport's distinctive Feltham trams dating from the 1930's were the most modern trams in the capital and after London abandoned trams in 1952, many continued in service with Leeds Corporation Tramways.
Tram 12 was also distinctively decorated in 1970s psychedelia in 2010 to mark Seaton Tramway's 40th anniversary of operating at Seaton.
