More boats on canals and rivers than in 18th century as thousands opt for life afloat

Rising house prices and restrictions on overseas travel are leading to a surge in popularity for houseboats

Little more than six months ago, Paul and Anthony Smith-Storey were still living in a three-bedroom semi-detached house near St Helens in Merseyside. But now the couple - and their dog, Dexter - have traded it all in for a life afloat in a two-metre-wide narrowboat on Peak Forest Canal in Derbyshire.

We took the equity out of the house, bought the boat and thought we'd enjoy it while we were still alive," said Anthony, 48, an NHS sonographer. They are not the only ones.