TWO of brewery Thwaites’ much-loved shire horses have retired due to ill health.

Bosses at the Penny Street, Blackburn, firm said Daniel and Bomber, who had been a part of the firm’s stable for 13 years, had been rehomed.

The brewery still owns two horses, Wainwright and Midas, who will continue to live at the Eanam Wharf stables.

Steve Magnall, Thwaites managing director, said: “Following a long and successful tenure as Thwaites shire horses, Daniel and Bomber are to retire due to poor health.

“Both horses have been rehomed and will live out their days with experienced and caring new owners.

“Wainwright and Midas will continue in their roles as Thwaites ambassadors, attending events across the country.

“There are no plans to close the stables.”

Thwaites had used horses to deliver beer to its pubs since opening in 1807, but they were dropped in favour of motorised transport by 1927.

However, in 1960 the brewery began using the horses once more and, until recently, the animals had been used to deliver beer.

Despite no longer being used for deliveries, the horses - which were made ambassadors for Blackburn in 1985 - have a very busy schedule.

Recently, the horses have attended the opening of the Great British Beer Festival and various food and drink festivals, including the Clitheroe Food Festival and the Southport Flower Show.

On Lancashire Day last year they visited the House of Commons to make a special delivery of ales to MP Jack Straw.

They also made a special appearance at the Preston Christmas lights swith-on last year, taking the place of Santa’s reindeers who were busy resting for Christmas Eve.