LOVERS of the outdoors have a unique opportunity to buy a piece of the country-side — by owning their own river.

United Utilities has put a 200-metre stretch of Hyndburn Brook, Clayton-le-Moors, up for sale, and it is being auctioned with no reserve price.

The brook and surrounding land is situated off Lower Barnes Street near Holme Road, around one mile north of Junction seven of the M65 and near to residential areas.

Harry Rothwell, who runs Angler’s Den, Darwen, said it was every fisherman’s dream to own their own river.

He said: “I’m sure there will be a lot of people interested because the site for sale includes both banks and good access.

“It is definitely of interest to anglers and I would go and have a little look at it myself.

“It would be good to find out if there’s much fish in there.”

Mr Rothwell, who runs the fishing gear and tackle shop in Blackburn Road, said he owned his own section of the River Tay in West Scotland.

He added: “Owning a river isn’t as straightforward as you might think and anyone interested must think about what they are getting in to.

“You are responsible for everything that happens on the site, from pollution and members of the public.

“It is not just like buying a car and it can be expensive.”

In total the site covers almost three quarters of an acre and will be available at an auction from Pugh and Co at Old Trafford football ground, Manchester, later this month.

United Utilities said the site was prone to flooding and included a small area of woodland.

The company said the sale was part of a series of land sales across the North West that were taking place this month.

Hyndburn Brook gave its name to the borough which it flows through, when local authority reorganisation in the 1970s saw Accrington and District renamed Hyndburn.