French civic leaders in Normandy are campaigning for a year-round freight service to be restored between Newhaven and Dieppe.

They also hope Seatruck will be able to carry passengers on the service during the winter.

Although Hoverspeed has been a success with its fast passenger and car ferry between the two ports, it does not run for five months during off-season and it carries no freight.

Dieppe mayor and local MP Christian Cuvilliez said: "We want to see a ferry service running during the winter."

British tourists are a major source of income for Dieppe and in the past there has been a steady flow of visitors, even during off-peak periods.

Mr Cuvilliez welcomed members of the Great Dieppe Trip to the town on their annual visit from Brighton and Hove.

They included Home Office minister and former council leader Lord Bassam, Kemp Town Labour MP Des Turner and several Labour members of Brighton and Hove Council.

Mr Cuvilliez said: "In addition to the fast ferry, we are pressing for a cargo boat that will run all year and possibly carry some car and foot passengers."

Mr Turner, Pavilion MP David Lepper and Lewes Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker are helping with the campaign.

Mr Turner said he would do all he could to get a year-round service introduced between the two ports.

Mr Cuvilliez said French authorities were still interested in buying the port of Newhaven but this was a long-term aim.

Former Brighton and Hove mayor Francis Tonks replied on behalf of current postholder Andy Durr, who is recovering from illness.

He said Brighton and Hove would send a rosebush to Dieppe later this year to mark the United Nations year of peace.

The French authorities are talking to Seatruck while being careful not to upset Hoverspeed.