THE Sandbanks to Studland ferry service is back up and running – four months after it was taken out of service.

The ferry, run by the Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company, was taken out of service for a planned ‘major refit’ on October 30 last year.

The work was expected to take around six weeks, with the vessel being towed to Falmouth for a dry-dock refit.

However, as it made its way to the Cornwall town, it was damaged, delaying the work.

Now, around four months later, it is back up and running, a move confirmed by the company on Monday (February 27) morning.

The first journey by the refurbished Bramble Bush Bay took place at 11am, with the normal timetable now being resumed.

“As everyone is no doubt aware we have had numerous delays, the various teams involved have worked tirelessly to ensure that the ferry is ready for service,” a company spokesperson said.

“We have received all the certifications we require to return to service.”

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.”