AN old form of transport is to make a comeback in Durham City with the launch of a horse taxi service.

Local businessmen Dennis Sweeney and Arthur Walsh believe their landaus, drawn by grey Cobb/Clydesdale horses, will soon be a popular attraction on the city streets.

Mr Sweeney said: "I have often thought of doing something like this.

"They have them in Dublin, Belgium and York. I thought - why hasn't anyone thought of doing it here?

"The landau carriages have convertible roofs and are similar to The Queen's carriage."

Two circular services will run, initially at least, between Old Elvet and Elvet Hill Road during the day and from Palace Green, between the cathedral and castle, to the Sands, in the evening.

Mr Walsh said: "The routes have been created so that views of the castle and cathedral are very dominant. One of the routes will go past a lot of the colleges and the Botanic Gardens.''

Mr Sweeney and Mr Walsh say that as time goes on routes can be altered or added to.

The scheme has won the backing of Durham City Council which has granted the pair, operating as Cathedral Carriages, a hackney carriage licence.

Licensing panel chairman Joe Anderson said: "I have been to York and Blackpool, and I think it is beautiful to see the horses going up and down.

"It will bring something to the city that the tourists from America will like because they don't have it there.''

Mr Sweeney and Mr Walsh hope to begin the service next month after their horses, carriages and drivers have been tested.