The future looks bright for Sussex's cross-Channel ferry service after a successful season of crossings.

The Superseacat 1 vessel carried more passengers and cars from Newhaven to Dieppe between April and October than in the same period last year.

There were no cancellations due to mechanical failures and the ferry completed more crossings since the start of the season, on March 31, than any other vessel in a seven-month period.

Superseacat 1 carried 313, 000 passengers this year compared with 311,000 in the same period last year and 75,000 cars compared with 74,000.

Last year the ferry, which carries 700 passengers and 160 cars, operated up until the New Year.

Storms yesterday brought an abrupt end to the Newhaven to Dieppe service for this year.

Rough seas meant today's final scheduled sailings on the 64-mile route were cancelled, making Friday's sailings the last of the current season.

Despite the abrupt ending, route director Nick Steven said the good results meant the route was firmly established as a spring, summer and autumn service.

He said: "This is a very good result. We have established ourselves as a reliable ferry service with holidaymakers, daytrippers and people in the South of England who have second homes in France.

"There have been no cancellations due to mechanical problems with the vessel. Any cancellations have been weather-related.

"We are sorry the weather beat us for the final days of sailings."

Superseatcat 1 will remain in Newhaven for its winter maintenance programme, ready for the start of next year's service at the end of March.