WIGHTLINK has suspended weekend sailings on the Lymington to Yarmouth route following the government's ban on non-essential travel.

The cross-Solent ferry operator said the restrictions meant "very few people" were travelling between the New Forest and the Isle of Wight.

A company spokesperson said weekday sailings would continue on the same timetable but would be kept under review.

They added: "Wightlink’s Portsmouth-Fishbourne route continues to operate seven days a week with sailings every two hours."

The company has also closed all its takeaway cafés and has announced that passengers will not be allowed to eat and drink their own refreshments, either on the ferries or at the terminals. Vending machines have been switched off.

Wightlink is also reminding people to obey regulations that aim to curb the spread of the virus.

In a message to passengers it says: "It is a legal requirement to wear a face covering when using public transport in England.

"If you're travelling on one of our ferries you will need to use a face covering. This includes inside our customer buildings, inside our passenger lounges on board and when moving about the interior of the ship, on our car decks and outdoors on our sundecks."

"If you're a foot passenger on our Portsmouth-Fishbourne or Lymington-Yarmouth route you must book in advance if you want to be sure of travelling on your preferred sailing."

Last week it was announced that a further £6.5m will be given to Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel to safeguard services between the Island and the mainland.