EXCITEMENT would have been rife as the first of five electric trams sett off on the Accrington to Oswaldtwistle line in 1906.

Only the first and last trams in the procession were decorated with flags.

Civic dignitaries filled four of the tramcars, but the one pictured allowed the townsfolk to board for the big occasion.

The lady at the tiller is former Accrington mayoress Mrs A.S.Bury who drove trams in the official parade - thanks to her husbands position as alderman.

It is fascinating to look at the clothing of those in the foreground.

Boys wearing cloth caps, clogs, Eaton collars, knee breeches and shawls.

Trams before these new electric machines were powered by horses and steam before making the transition.