A hunt for Britain's oldest boiler has ended with the discovery of a gas model in Manchester nicknamed Bryan still in working order after 45 years.

Energy company Powergen tracked down the Vulcan Number 3 boiler to a house in Manchester and is now examining it to find out how it worked for so long.

The boiler, which lasted three times longer than the average, has been replaced by a new one.

Mike Stevenson, home heating manager at Powergen, said: "Very few boilers last this long nowadays. Were keen to learn how this boiler has lasted."

The owner of the boiler, Iris Taylor, said: "My husband Bryan fitted our boiler and carefully maintained it from day one. We called it Bryan as my husband's namesake, and it was like part of the family."