Take reins of our £425,000 horse barges

IF you're giddy at the pace of modern life, there's a rare chance to slow down and buy one of the nation's last horse-drawn barges.

- By Tom Bevan

Phil and Jacquie Brind are retiring from Tiverton Canal Company and their business - complete with majestic shire horse Brindley and Welsh cobb George - is up for sale at £425,000.

The couple took on the Devon firm in 2005 after it had been in the family since the 1980s.

The sale includes the main 70ft horse-drawn barge Tivertonian, licensed to carry 80 passengers, the smaller Iona for 50, rowing boats, canoes, horse stalls and a paddock.

A gift shop, tractor and mooring are also part of the deal.

Phil said: "Jacq and I feel so privileged to spend our days along the Grand Western Canal.