A 26-YEAR-OLD businesswoman is hoping she will soon be the owner of the only true hackney carriage in the Yorkshire Dales.

Charlotte Sowerby aims to launch a horse-drawn taxi service in the Wensleydale market town of Hawes this summer.

However, council chiefs have to decide at a meeting next week if they are willing to increase the number of licences they can give, as well as setting a tariff for the new service.

Richmondshire District Council leader John Blackie said he was optimistic that Ms Sowerby's idea would be given the go-ahead on Tuesday.

She has the backing of the authority's Rural Aid scheme, which has awarded her a grant, and the Dale Project, pioneered by the Prince's Youth Business Trust.

"It is a lovely idea and one which I am certain will prove a real winner," said Councillor Blackie.

Kate Empsall, of the Upper Wensleydale Business Association, also confirmed that the organisation was "very supportive".

Ms Sowerby said that her venture was unlikely to be competition for existing taxi firms in the area.

"If someone from Askrigg called me to bring them into Hawes for their shopping it could be over an hour before I reached them," she said. "I don't think people will want to wait that long.

"I see this as more of a sight-seeing service on weekends and Bank Holidays, although the carriage will also be available for hire to anyone who fancies a leisurely trip in the Dales, or who may be planning a special occasion."