THE re-launch of the historic Heysham to Belfast ferry service has been a great success with more than 24,500 passengers crossing the Irish Sea in just two months.

The £20 million catamaran SeaCat Danmark has also carried 6,900 vehicles since coming into operation on March 31 and two new sailings have been introduced to cope with the unexpected public demand.

Said SeaCat's General Manager, Diane Poole: "We are extremely pleased with the response to the service from both sides of the Irish Sea and are only too happy to extend our schedule to accommodate the needs of our passengers."

Manager of the Old Hall Inn in Heysham said: "It's been absolutely fantastic. We've had to take on new staff due to the increase in business we have had. The place has been full of customers with Irish accents having a drink or something to eat before their return to the ferry."

The two new sailings will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Nick Brooks-Sykes of the North West Tourist Board said: "We are delighted to hear of the early success of the new Heysham to Belfast route. Ireland is the most important overseas market for the North West and SeaCat will be an added selling point when we undertake a promotional campaign in Ireland."

The last service to operate between the two ports, run by British Rail, closed 25 years ago and the success of the new service has exceeded all expectations.

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