£35,000 antique valuation for 'smallest UK peddle steamer'

A £35,000 antique valuation has been placed on a peddle steam, described as the smallest in the UK.

The vessel - which has been used for trips from Newport along the River Medina - is set to go under the hammer on the Isle of Wight on Saturday (August 28th) - and Island Auction Rooms has even had interest from New Zealand, the BBC reports.

The PS Monarch - which can fit 12 passengers on board - was constructed 28 years ago and is 42 ft (12.8m) long and 15 ft (4.5m) wide.

Ian Rees, a schoolteacher who is the owner and chief engineer of the steamer, said he bought the vessel online three years ago after having a few too many drinks with his friend Matt O'Crowley.

But antique valuation seekers who like to flex their financial muscles may be keen to note that an auction devised of various items from the TV series Lost has raked in $1.8 million (£1.16 million).

Posted by Keith Leicester