THE Sandbanks ferry is returning to service today, after four months out of action.

Operators of the popular route, which runs between Sandbanks and Studland, confirmed that the ferry would be returning from 11am on Monday, February 27, starting on the Sandbanks side.

It will then run a normal timetable going forward.

The ferry returned to Poole in early February, after it was taken away in mid-November for a major refit that was due to take four weeks.

The original target for its return was early December, but its transfer to Falmouth for the work was delayed due to bad weather, with the craft arriving in Cornwall on November 13.

Bournemouth Echo:

However, the ferry sustained damage whilst being towed for the work, which pushed back the return date for the vessel by months.

Its prow arms needed replacement after being severely bent, which one boat expert described as “a major problem”.

These parts were manufactured in Poland and were fitted in February. It returned on to its chains on February 17, and underwent days of safety checks and sea trials before it could return to service this week.

Jason du Toit, the Sandbanks Ferry Company’s managing director, said: “We would like to thank all of our staff and contractors for the work that they have put in and our customers for their patience.

"We understand and share the frustrations of the ferry being out of service. It has been a long and challenging road and we are pleased that we are now returning to service.”