Bradford Industrial Museum’s working horses, axed by Bradford Council to cut costs, are to move to a new home nearly 200 miles away.

Darcy and Murdoch will be transferred from the Moorside Road museum, where they pull visitors around in a wagon, to the Hillside Sanctuary’s visitor centre in Frettenham, Norfolk.

Bradford Council said the relocation of the horses was a “difficult decision”, made as a result of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review.

It is expected to save £126,000 a year.

Tony Stephens, assistant director for culture and tourism, said: “The environment is similar to the one they have been used to at the industrial museum, which is good because they are used to being active and around people as part of their everyday lives.

“We looked at several places, but decided Hillside demonstrated the best knowledge and expertise of horses.

“It’s also good that they can be kept together at the centre. Hillside ticked all the boxes for us and we are satisfied that this will be a good home for Darcy and Murdoch.”

A public campaign to save the horses started in June when Council bosses revealed a consultation process had begun on a proposal to find a new home for them.

A petition containing more than 1,500 signatures was collected by campaigners trying to save the horses and pupils at Allerton Primary School presented posters and letters to the Council, urging leaders to spare them.

Read more on this story in today's T&A