Horse Drawn Omnibus returns to Ringwood

10:08am Wednesday 4th June 2008

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RINGWOOD residents will be able to hear the clip clop of hooves once again as the Ringwood Horse Drawn Omnibus takes to the streets for the summer season.

Driving Sideways Ltd was formed in 2006 to keep Stephen and Sue Jones' four rare breed Suffolk Punch horses in work.

And through the company's trading arm - The New Forest Horsedrawn Omnibus - Stephen, who drives the bus and groom/bus conductor Mo Hall are again providing a sustainable transport solution for the area's roads.

This year there are three vehicles - the single decker Ringwood Rambler, the restored 1895 double decker Rover and the most recently acquired- a 10 seater Amish carriage imported from Holland.

The Ringwood Rambler will take people out to the East of Ringwood to the Alice Lisle pub for lunch tours, the Ringwood Rover will be used for around town tours and special occasions and the new Amish bus will be taking Forest day trips to the south of Ringwood up to areas around Burley.

There are various routes on offer this summer, including trips further afield around the New Forest with stops at popular pubs for a tasty lunch.

Mo told the Journal: "The weather seriously hampered our efforts last year, but we really enjoyed what we did and everybody who travelled with us enjoyed the experience.

"Hopefully with the addition of a new bus and extra routes we will have at least as much fun this year as we did last year."

For details trips and prices visit www.driving-sideways.co.uk and for reservations phone 07852 208 048.