Newhaven port has been boosted by plans to run an extra cross-Channel ferry to Dieppe from next month.

Transmanche will have two ferries on the route from April 15.

If the new services are a success, more jobs could be created and they are certain to bolster tourist and economic links between the two towns.

A timetable has been announced with plans to run the new ferry, the 15,000-tonne Dieppe, alongside the existing Sardinia Vera to offer a year-round service.

The Dieppe will be used when freight traffic is busier.

Charles Revet, president of the French Seine-Maritime regional government, and speaking on behalf of Transmanche, said between £20,000 and £40,000 would be spent on advertising the new service.

He said: "We have decided to have two boats because we want to provide a good timetable and carry freight and passengers.

"If we have a problem with one boat we always have another."

Sailings of the Sardinia Vera had to be cancelled for several days at the end of last year while modifications were made to the vessel after it failed safety checks but the problems have been resolved.

Mr Revet said the second ferry had already created 35 jobs in Newhaven but he hoped more would be made in the future.

He added: "We have been working to develop the port of Newhaven and we are working to refurbish it."

The Dieppe will be run by a French company in its first year and will sail under the British flag.

It will be crewed by a mix of English and French staff with a French captain and chief officer.

Both ferries will undergo refits before the end of summer with the Dieppe being stripped of some cabins to make way for passenger seating.

It will be able to carry 70 lorries and about 35 cars with the Sardinia Vera carrying 48 lorries and about 600 passengers.

Passengers will be able to book their tickets through Hoverspeed, which runs a summer fast-ferry service on the route, or directly from Transmanche.

Lewes MP Norman Baker said: "I'm delighted that we are having a new boat which shows a continuing commitment from the French side."