Aristocrat seeks bride 20 years younger who can fire a shotgun

A CONTROVERSIAL West country aristocrat has launched an appeal to find a bride - who must be a good ballroom dancer and can fire a shotgun.

- FILIPA GASPAR

Sir Benjamin Slade, 79, says his new wife would need to be at least 20 years younger ~ meaning women in their 60s need not apply.

In return, the new Lady Slade will be paid £50,000-a-year to help run his sprawling 1,300-acre Somerset estate. Sir Benjamin also stipulates that his new wife must not be a Scorpio, use drugs or be an alcoholic.

He is also after a “good breeder” so he can have a male heir.

Sir Benjamin, a baronet descended from Charles II, says she can’t come from countries beginning with ‘Tl’ that have green in their flag.

He said: “I don’t mind Canadians, Americans, Germans and Northern Europeans — what I like to call similar people. I don’t think marrying an Eskimo is for me.

“What I just need is a nice, ordinary country girl who knows and understands things. I am very social, I go out a lot and I have to have somebody who fits in.”