A volunteer-led tourist attraction is expecting a record-breaking bumper year.

Last year Shipley Glen Tramway had 16,187 visitors, compared to 9,012 in 2011, and in 2013 it’s expected that figure will be excelled by around 4,000.

Tramway treasurer Richard Freeman said more people were visiting the historic cable tramway.

“Essentially, we’ve already exceeded the entire passenger figures for this time last year. We’re hoping for 20,000 by the end of the year,” he said.

So far this year, 14,114 people have used the tramway, compared to 8,713 from January to mid-August last year.

“On a busy day working on the tramway, it’s nice when people are coming in. They’ve got smiling faces, there’s kids coming and they’re asking lots of questions about how long it’s been here, what else there is to do and they’re looking at the museum. Busy days are very enjoyable,” he said.

This week a £5,000 new cable has been fitted to the tramway, which runs up to Shipley Glen in Baildon.

“It’s exactly like the one that’s on it and exactly like the first one that was fitted in 1895. It’s made in exactly the same way – steel with a hemp core,” Mr Freeman said.

Baildon councillor Roger L’amie (Conservative) said: “I think the Shipley Glen Tramway volunteers do a damn good job. When you consider the complexity of what they’re actually having to do, they’re running, in effect, a public transport system.

“It’s certainly one of the jewels in Baildon’s crown. It’s obviously a popular attraction for people all over Bradford and probably beyond.”

The Tramway will be one of the attractions at Saltaire Festival, which runs from September 14 to 22.

Mr Freeman hopes a treasure hunt and cheerleaders will encourage people to visit.

To volunteer on the Tramway, call Mr Freeman on 07773 001250.

“We’ve got a good set of volunteers, but we need more, to be honest,” he said.