Hopes for the long-awaited relaunch of the historic Fleetwood to Knott End ferry service have been sunk again.

Wyre Council bosses have announced that the new year-round service will not set sail on November 8 as originally hoped, but will be officially launched in the New Year.

According to the council's Physical Environment Portfolio Holder, Cllr Peter Hawley, the delay is due to safety reasons after Marine and Coastal Agency (MCA) officials detected a minor fault with the service's new £350,000 vessel earlier this year.

Staff employed by the ferry's Fleetwood-based contractors, Wyre Waste Managment Ltd, have also yet to finish training in order to pass official MCA crewman tests.

Cllr Hawley said: "Public Safety is paramount in a maritime passenger service like this.

"The MCA must be satisfied that the boat is fit for the purpose and sufficient staff must be suitably trained to fulfil the initial timetable.

"This has led to delays but it is completely necessary because safety has to be top of the list."

The Fleetwood to Knott End ferry began operating in 1894 and, along with the Mersey Ferry, is one of just two fare-paying river ferries still operating within the UK.

A ten-year agreement between the new boat's benefactor - Lancashire County Council - and Wyre will see the ferry change from a summer only to a year-round service, jointly funded by both councils with contributions from the Countryside Agency.

Councillor Hawley said: "Wyre has made a big financial commitment to this partnership project and now we shall see if there is a demand from the public for a year-round service across the Wyre."