A new cross-Channel ferry about to start operating the Newhaven-Dieppe route has been given an historic name.

The Saga Star, bought by Transmanche for the service, has been rebaptised Dieppe.

It will undertake a trial run between the two ports shortly and should start regular crossings in March.

At that time, the existing Transmanche ferry, the Sardinia Vera, will undergo its annual refit.

Both ferries will run from mid March, with extra daily sailings.

Hoverspeed's fast ferry will also start operating again for the summer season from late March.

The 17,500-tonne Dieppe can take more cars and lorries than the 12,000-tonne Sardinia Vera.

There have been four ferries called Dieppe on the run. The first sailed from 1847 to 1848 and the last between 1905 and 1933.