Tickets for the first fortnight of Hoverspeed's Newhaven-Dieppe service have been cancelled.

The first two weeks of this year's service were called off because modifications to the SuperSeaCat vessel are taking longer than expected.

Hoverspeed originally said the service would begin again on March 31 but it has now been put back to April 12. It last ran on January 3. Last August Hoverspeed announced it was planning a virtual year-round service with just a six-week maintenance break.

Passengers booked to travel between March 31 and April 12 are being offered free upgrades to first class on the Dover to Calais route. They are also being given vouchers for half price on future crossings from Newhaven.

Hoverspeed is currently contacting all passengers booked on those two weeks.

Public relations manager Kevin Charles said: "We do not think a vast number of passengers will be affected. We regard this as a minor setback."

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