Harbour ferry reopens after work

The chain ferry transports 1.25 million vehicles a year

The Sandbanks ferry in Dorset has reopened after engineers carried out vital maintenance work.

The link between Poole and Studland had been out of action for eight weeks for repairs to the boat and slipways.

People faced a 25-mile (40 kilometres)round trip between Poole and Swanage due to the closure but from Friday they were able to use the ferry once again.

The ferry's operator apologised for the disruption but said it was "pleased to be back to normal".

The chain ferry transports 1.25 million vehicles a year across the narrow stretch of water.