Horse-drawn hearses will go up for auction in Faversham next week.

The unusual items will go on sale after Alva Evans decided to hang up her saddle and sell her horse-drawn carriage business in Walnut Tree House, Otterden.

Horse lover Alva has spent more than 30 years playing a key role in weddings, funerals and parties in the town.

But she has decided the time has now come for her to retire and sell her impressive collection of hearses and carriages.

This means five hearses, including one dating back to 1890, eight carriage horses and three horseboxes will go on sale next Wednesday.

Alva said: “Everything is going. I am keeping three of the horses. They are really what have stopped me from retiring before now.

“I do all of the funerals locally and I want to thank all the funeral directors of Faversham over the years.

“I got my first horse when I was 15 and I am very passionate about them. I am relieved to be retiring but I have really enjoyed doing it.”

And the carriages on offer even have celebrity connections having seated some famous bottoms over the years.

Alva added: “Cliff Richard was in one of our carriages for Virginia Wade’s birthday. Ainsley Harriott was there too.

“I will always treasure the memories I have of the smiles and applause given to my wonderful horses on our arrival at the many different events we have attended over the years.”

The auction will be held by Thimbleby & Shorland on October 10. Visit www.tsauction.co.uk