LOOE will have a new tourist attraction when a 'horse bus' is introduced for the first time.

Denise and Nigel Doney, of Seaton, who own Devon and Cornwall Driving Carriages, have been granted a licence to operate in Looe by Cornwall Council.

Denise hopes to be running the service from Saturday, April 12, to coincide with the Looe Harbour Commissioners Craft and Produce Fair but, if not, she says the service will be in operation in time for Easter.

The Doneys, who operate a horsedrawn service for weddings and other celebrations, will be using a new carriage in Looe, which can carry up to four passengers. The service will initially run from Thursdays to Sundays, but in the high season will run for six days a week.

'Our ponies Buddy Boo and Rocky Roo will be pulling the carriage,' said Denise. 'They have been working together for two years and are best friends.'

The service is for anyone who just wants to get from A to B, but Denise will also take visitors on tours of the town with a commentary.

The idea came in February last year when Denise and some friends took the wedding carriage for a drive around the town. They were flagged down by David Pickering, of Driftwood House Bed and Breakfast, who asked if Denise could pick up his guests.

'I later had a meeting with Tim Deakin, of Looe Community Forum, and East Looe Trustee Brian Galipeau,' said Denise. 'They were very enthusiastic about a horsedrawn service for the town.'

Tim said: 'The horsedrawn carriage service will be a prize asset for Looe's tourism.'